50 y/o Linked As Next West Ham Manager

Insider ExWHUEmployee has revealed that Paulo Fonseca is potentially a candidate to replace David Moyes at West Ham United should the 59-year-old leave this summer.

What are the latest West Ham manager rumours?

It's been a rather odd season for the Hammers as they've battled without particularly impressing in the Premier League and are still just about in danger of being relegated.

At the same time, the same set of players could be on the verge of glory as they've made it all the way to a European semi-final and play AZ Alkmaar this week as they look to go all the way in the Europa Conference League.

With that being the case, there is a lingering uncertainty around the position of Moyes and it seems as though the club are certainly making some moves behind the scenes already should they decide to part ways with the current manager at the end of the season.

Indeed, while talking recently on The West Ham Way podcast, Ex revealed that current Lille boss Fonseca is one man who appears to be on the Iron's radar.

He explained (8:34): "There has been talks that we really like Paulo Fonseca, who is the manager, Portuguese manager, of Lille.

"He used to manage Roma before that he's someone that apparently we have shown an interest in potentially being a candidate should Moyes go."

Would Fonseca be a good fit at West Ham?

The 50-year-old manager has had a reasonably good campaign in Ligue 1, and currently has Lille fifth in the division. This is his first season managing the French club and with 17 wins, eight draws and eight losses so far, he has earned an average of 1.79 points per game.

When you compare that with what Moyes has done across 49 outings in total so far, the Scottish manager has won 22 games, drawn eight but worrying lost a notable 19 fixtures – for a points average of 1.51 per game.

West Ham bossDavid Moyes

With that being the case, it's easy to see why Fonseca could be viewed as a potential upgrade. Interestingly enough, while he hasn't worked in the Premier League before, the former Roma manager was very close to joining Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2021.

Seeing as things didn't go well for Nuno Espirito Santo or Antonio Conte, perhaps Spurs may wish they'd opted for Fonseca instead.

Their error in judgement could be of benefit to West Ham though and it will be interesting to see if they do want to change managers this summer and if they view the 50-year-old as an ideal replacement for Moyes.

Tottenham: Spurs Now Want "Perfect" Trophy-Laden Manager

Tottenham Hotspur are now following Lille manager Paulo Fonseca as chairman Daniel Levy turns his attention to an old familiar 2021 target.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

Spurs have an ever-growing shortlist of candidates to replace the departed Antonio Conte, with many names in contention for the vacant post as things stand.

Indeed, as well as Julian Nagelsmann and Arne Slot, who are seen as top targets, the likes of Ruben Amorim (Sporting CP), Vincent Kompany (Burnley), Brendan Rodgers and Graham Potter are also being considered.

After a whirlwind 2022/2023 Premier League campaign, which started with much promise under Conte, things have turned sour on and off the field with supporters protesting the ownership of ENIC.

Spurs have also fell by the wayside in terms of performances, with there arguably being zero hope of Champions League qualification given Man United's position in the table.

paulo-fonseca-tottenham-hotspur-dna-levy-manager-nuno-conte-mourinho

Which manager comes in to succeed Conte is now surely a priority for Levy, and as he weighs his options, it has been reported that he is now eyeing Fonseca from Lille – almost two years after the Portuguese was in contention to replace Jose Mourinho.

According to But Football Club, Spurs are following the 50-year-old who is expected to be a man in demand this summer, with Lille being in serious danger of losing him. The north Londoners, though, could face serious competition from a rival in West Ham – who have apparently earmarked him as their priority to replace David Moyes.

Levy may have to be patient as well given any prospective negotiations won't be opened until the end of the season – with Spurs or any other club.

What could Fonseca bring to Spurs?

The four-time Ukranian league winner with Shakhtar Donetsk has clinched a grand total of nine trophies across spells with three different clubs, the other two being SC Braga and FC Porto (Transfermarkt).

Fonseca has also been praised for his man-management by esteemed members of the press, with big name reporter Fabrizio Romano saying this on the tactician during Tottenham's 2021 talks (via talkSPORT):

"He is perfect in the dressing room and perfect in his relationship with the players, which is something really needed at Tottenham at the moment.

“He likes to play a 3-4-2-1 formation and likes to play with quality and fast players behind the striker."

Indeed, the Ligue 1 coach could be a stellar outside option for Tottenham in case they fail in their pursuit of Nagelsmann.

Man United Eyeing 23 y/o Striker Who Wants PL Move

Manchester United have the Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic on their radar as they aim to address their option up front this summer.

Which striker do United want to sign?

On the whole, Erik ten Hag's first season at Old Trafford has been a success with the Red Devils showing improvements on the pitch.

Having already secured the Carabao Cup, United will go into the remaining games aiming to land a spot in the top four as well as getting their hands on the FA Cup.

However, one of their main issues has been up top with Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the club earlier in the summer and leaving them without an out-and-out striker.

Wout Weghorst was brought in over the January transfer window, but the Dutchman's arrival has failed to provide any impact in front of goal thus far.

There have been strong reports linking the Red Devils with a potential move for Harry Kane in the summer with his future at Tottenham Hotspur in doubt.

But it seems as if they could also look abroad for a striker this summer with Victor Osimhen another name linked with interest from United.

And speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, insider Graeme Bailey has claimed the Red Devils could also look to Vlahovic as a possible option:

(26:30) "He' on United's list. He's on Chelsea's list. They're looking at number nines, he's an option Newcastle have looked at him. Aston Villa are the new ones."

"He really wants to come to England. The Premier League is a real option for Vlahovic and if you can give Juventus their money back they're taking this deal. Vlahovic is want to keep an eye on him really, really could be the diamond in the rough here."

Would Vlahovic be a good option for United?

It has not been the easiest campaign for the Serbian striker who has suffered from a number of injuries already which has seen his game time slightly hampered.

However, in his 25 league appearances in Serie A, he has been able to provide a return of 10 goals but in the last 13 games he has only been able to net twice (via Transfermarkt).

But this is a player who was hailed as an "absolute monster" by journalist Carlo Garganese earlier in the campaign and he has shown huge potential during his early career.

Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.

Indeed, the 23-year-old provided an impressive return of 24 goals and five assists last season in Serie A (via Transfermarkt).

His recent form might suggest there could be an element of risk if United were to bring him in over the summer, but his potential could perhaps be unlocked in England.

But when Osimhen could also be an option for United, it would be difficult to look past the Nigerian for Vlahovic when Osimhen has shown such impressive form for Napoli this season.

Considering Vlahovic's spot in the Juventus starting XI is not nailed down, perhaps he could be an easier target to land, though.

Spurs Could Find Their Own Odegaard In £26m Dynamo

The major priority for Tottenham Hotspur this summer will be on finding a new permanent manager ahead of next season, although the Lilywhites will also have to begin thinking about potential new recruits in order to bolster the current squad.

According to reports in Spain, one man who could well be a possible target for the north London outfit is Crystal Palace sensation, Eberechi Eze, with the piece suggesting that the 24-year-old is valued at around €30m (£26m).

The former Queen's Park Rangers playmaker – who made the move to Selhurst Park on a £20m deal back in 2020 – has enjoyed another standout campaign with the Eagles, with the Daily Mail only recently claiming that the exciting talent is in contention for a senior England call-up.

There does appear a need for Spurs to bolster their attacking options amid the growing uncertainty surrounding Dejan Kulusevski's long-term future at N17, with claims in Italy suggesting that the Premier League side may not sign the on-loan Juventus man on a permanent basis.

Would Eze be a good signing for Spurs?

A player capable of genuine moments of "magic" – as previously hailed by ex-teammate Christian Benteke – Eze has evidently put himself on the radar of Daniel Levy and co due to his impressive recent form, having now scored ten goals and provided three assists in 36 top-flight games this season.

The fleet-footed dynamo has been particularly electric in recent weeks after scoring six goals in just his last seven league games, including a clinical brace during Saturday's 2-0 win over AFC Bournemouth.

Such an impact has seen the £30k-per-week magician earn notable praise from teammate Joel Ward in the aftermath of that comfortable triumph over the Cherries, with the experienced defender stating:

"Ebs’ quality is incredible, with what he does on the ball, the way he manipulates it and the way he just seems to glide over the pitch – it’s mesmerising at times."

While capable of playing on the flanks, the one-time Wycombe Wanderers loanee has particularly thrived in a central midfield berth this season after scoring eight times in just 13 games in that role, ensuring he offers a great deal of versatility to any potential suitor.

As far as Tottenham are concerned, it may be of interest that Eze is said to share a number of statistical and stylistic similarities with Arsenal skipper, Martin Odegaard, according to FBref, with the two men both offering a real creative spark in the centre of the pitch.

Arsenal's Martin Odegaard

That likeness between the pair is showcased by the fact that they can simply glide forward with the ball at their feet, with Eze ranking in the top 15% among his European peers for progressive carries, while Odegaard ranks in the top 14% in that regard.

The two men also possess a real willingness to impact proceedings in the final third as the Palace ace ranks in the top 12% for touches in the attacking penalty area, while the Gunners maestro ranks in the top 2% in that same metric.

While it may pain Spurs supporters to admit, Odegaard has been a truly immense presence at the Emirates this season having contributed 15 goals and eight assists in the league alone for Mikel Arteta's side, with the Lilywhites likely wishing to have their own version of the impactful Norwegian.

With the signing of Eze, however, Levy could well find Tottenham's answer to the former Real Madrid man, such is their likeness.

Liverpool Could Slow Down £140k p/w Ace’s Playing Time

Liverpool look to finally be enacting serious changes around Anfield as Jurgen Klopp looks to reshape his squad ahead of next season, with several players set to leave the building in the summer.

James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino have all confirmed their departures come the off-season and they likely won't be the only experienced names to swap Merseyside for elsewhere.

One man who will be staying around is club captain Jordan Henderson, who has been at the Reds since 2011; however, Redmen TV pundit Paul Machin thinks that Klopp may start to phase out the £140k-a-week ace starting from next year.

What has Paul Machin said about Jordan Henderson?

Speaking to Football FanCast, pundit Machin believes that Henderson, alongside teammates Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho will play less minutes next campaign.

Machin told FFC: "I think Liverpool need to start to push Fabinho, Thiago and Henderson out of the first 11 more in the season coming. They're all brilliant footballers, but they all need to be playing around 2500 minutes, 2000 to 2500 minutes, which is about 1500 less for Fabinho, it's about 1000 less for Henderson and it's not far off what Thiago ended up on, but Thiago hasn't had an understudy, which has been his problem."

In 2022/23, Henderson, who has been hailed as "exceptional", has made 42 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions and registered three assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Liverpool captain JordanHenderson

Nevertheless, WhoScored report that he has averaged a match rating of just 6.58/10 for his exploits on the pitch for Liverpool this term, which ranks him 16th out of their 27-strong squad in terms of consistency in performances, demonstrating obvious room for improvement.

Former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness also criticised Henderson for his reaction to criticism of his performances in November 2022 writing in his column for The Daily Mail, where he stated: "You’ve got to have a thick skin to be an elite athlete. Doubters are just something you have to deal with. I don’t think Jordan will be getting much sympathy from any quarter, given the lifestyle that football affords him, after more than a decade as a Premier League player. The only opinions he has to be concerned about are those of his manager Jurgen Klopp and the Liverpool coaching team."

FBRef shows that Henderson hasn't been able to bite into challenges to the same effect as normal over the past year and hasn't fared too well when compared to his positional peers in the art of successful tackles, ranking comfortably in the bottom 20% for this metric against midfielders from Europe's top five divisions, averaging just 1.50 per 90 minutes.

Henderson may well have his qualities in and around the dressing room, though it looks like he could well have further competition for his place at Anfield. Various sources have stated that Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, Sporting Lisbon ace Manuel Ugarte and Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch are all transfer targets for the Reds, which could mean regular starts become hard to come by for the 32-year-old.

It looks likely that he will remain on the books either way; nevertheless, Klopp will need to avoid clinging on to sentiment if he is to get Liverpool back to where they belong next term.

Arsenal Linked With £35.5m Barcelona Flop

Journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed Arsenal want to sign Barcelona flop Malcom after a "sensational" season with FC Zenit.

What are the latest Arsenal and Malcom rumours?

The Gunners will no doubt be on the hunt for a number of new signings this summer having Champions League football for next season.

And it sounds as though they could be after a former transfer target who appears to have potentially turned his career around.

Indeed, Malcom was linked with a move to the Premier League club way back in 2018, while Tottenham Hotspur were also in the mix.

The player failed to impress at Barcelona – earning himself a label as a "flop" – before moving onto Zenit where he has rediscovered his best form.

While talking on 90min's Talking Transfers, Bailey explained that the Brazilian has had a great season and will soon be heading back to "mainstream European football".

He said (44:35): He's had a sensational season for Zenit. He had 30 goal contributions in total.

"And he's got a lot, he's got some very big clubs who have been very impressed by his progress PSG, but also Arsenal, Man City and Newcastle – we are being told, have also taken note.

"It's a difficult situation. Teams are going to have to buy him, he is co-owned by some Brazilian businessman as well, but keep an eye on this one.

"Malcom is very much a wanted man. And I think it'd be heading back to mainstream European football.”

What happened to Malcom at Barcelona?

After a fine year in Ligue 1 at Bordeaux, he eventually joined Barcelona for around €41m (£35.5m) but made a total of six league starts amassing 608 minutes of football in his debut season (via 90min).

Malcom was then sold to Zenit the following summer and has steadily developed into a great player for them, netting 26 goals and providing nine assists in all competitions this season.

Despite it seeming like it was so long ago that Arsenal wanted him, he is still only 26 years of age and so could be of interest to Mikel Arteta.

It seems Arsenal won't be the only big European club keeping tabs on his progress this summer but with Malcom playing so well on the right wing in Russia, he could be viewed as an ideal backup for Bukayo Saka – especially as rotation will be key next term with Champions League football to contend with as well.

Everton Eyeing Swoop To Land £25m "Major Talent"

An update has emerged on Everton and their plans to bolster their attacking options in the upcoming summer transfer window…

What's the latest on El Bilal Toure to Everton?

According to the Daily Mail, the Toffees are stepping up their interest in Almeria centre-forward El Bilal Toure as they eye a swoop to sign the ace.

The report claims that the club are keen on the 21-year-old as they want a replacement for current striker Neal Maupay, who could leave to join Salernitana in Italy.

It is stated that the La Liga outfit value the young forward at £25m and it remains to be seen how much Sean Dyche's side are willing to splash out on him this summer.

Who is El Bilal Toure?

He is a 6 foot 1 number nine who currently plays in the top-flight of Spanish football with Almeria and the marksman could be a huge upgrade on Maupay.

The Frenchman, previously of Brentford, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.56 across 27 appearances in the Premier League and contributed with one goal and zero assists, starting 11 times, as the flop failed to consistently make an impact at the top end of the pitch.

Everton forward Neal Maupay.

He missed seven 'big chances' and did not create a single one for his teammates over the course of the campaign, which shows that the dud was wasteful in front of goal and offered almost nothing from a creative perspective, as he made 0.3 key passes per match.

Toure, meanwhile, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.79 and plundered six goals and two assists in 20 outings in La Liga – starting 14 times. This suggests that the titan could provide more quality than Maupay in the final third if he can translate his form for Almeria over to England.

The youngster, who has completed 71% of his passes, was once dubbed a "major talent" by journalist Graeme Bailey and his form in 22/23 has started to back that up as the ace is making a big impact in a major European league despite his young age.

Maupay, 26, struggled badly in the top flight and did nowhere near enough to prove himself to be a reliable option for the manager heading into next season.

Therefore, Dyche swooping to bring Toure to Goodison Park could improve the club's squad as the Mali international has the ability to offer far more in front of goal than the ex-Brentford man.

This means that ruthlessly ditching the current Toffees striker in favour of a £25m swoop for the La Liga hotshot could be a terrific piece of business by Everton.

Aston Villa Keen On Signing £2k-A-Week Attacker

Aston Villa are battling Everton for the signing of Almeria attacker Largie Ramazani ahead of the summer transfer window, a new report has claimed.

Has Ramazani had a good season?

The Villans enjoyed such an impressive 2022/23 season in the end, with Unai Emery completely transforming the club's fortunes and getting them into Europe. It is an achievement that seemed scarcely believable at one point, and it puts the club in a strong position heading into the summer.

The upcoming window has the potential to be one of the most exciting at Villa Park in a number of years, with funds available for new signings and Emery's pull potentially allowing them to snap up some top-quality additions.

One player who has been linked with a move to Villa in recent days is Ramazani, who proved to be a key figure for Almeria throughout the campaign. The £2,499-a-week forward has scored three times in La Liga for a side who only just avoided relegation, and he may feel that he could thrive more in a stronger outfit.

UD Almeria forward Largie Ramazani.

Could Ramazani be off to Villa?

According to Football Insider, Villa are "tracking" the 22-year-old ahead of a potential summer move, although they aren't alone in expressing an interest. Everton are also name-checked in the report, while other unnamed clubs are also believed to be in the running.

Ramazani, who was once a youth team player at Manchester United between 2017 and 2020, is "attracting admiring glances from across Europe after starring for the Rojiblancos on their return to the Spanish top flight."

The Almeria favourite could be a really shrewd signing by Villa this summer – not necessarily the big name that many supporters will be hoping for, but someone who could be a strong squad addition. He is out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 season, so his current club may feel that now is the right time to cash on him, with his stock arguably never higher.

Ramazani has played all across the front-line for Almeria this season, proving to be adept on either flank and in a central attacking role, and his versatility could be something that really appeals to Emery, providing depth in a number of positions.

The youngster has been hailed as "explosive", "dynamic" and "the Mini-Vinicius" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, which says a lot about his ability and potential as a player, and why Villa would be wise to make a move for him.

Arsenal Could Sign "World-class" Ace In £34m Swoop

Arsenal have been linked with a Premier League ace ahead of the transfer window as Mikel Arteta aims to strengthen his title-challenging side this summer.

The Spaniard enjoyed a successful season, but after narrowly missing out on the Gunners’ first league title in 19 years, he will aim to bolster his squad to push further next term.

Lack of defensive depth arguably cost Arsenal the title following the double injury blow to Takehiro Tomiyasu and William Saliba. However, an ongoing link could ensure the north Londoners aren’t caught short again.

What’s the latest on Joao Cancelo to Arsenal?

As reported by 90min early last month, Arsenal are interested in Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo, who is due to return to Manchester after a loan spell at Bayern Munich.

More recently, journalist Dharmesh Sheth revealed via Sky Sports that Arsenal and City are in ‘early verbal talks’ over the defender, who could reportedly be sold for a fee in the region of €40m (£34m).

Sheth added to the update that Arteta’s side are looking to be ‘very ambitious’ in the window.

What could Joao Cancelo bring to Arsenal?

Lauded as “world-class” by former Premier League defender Ahmed Elmohamady, the versatile right-back could offer a host of things to Arsenal.

Despite having Ben White dominating in the position currently, it was suggested by Football Insider that the Englishman could return to a more central role next term.

Cancelo could take the Gunners to the next level, just as Oleksandr Zinchenko has since trading Manchester for north London and becoming a firm starter on the left side.

As per FBref, the Portuguese ace is one of the top-performing full-backs in Europe, despite having inconsistent game time throughout the past year.

The 29-year-old ranks in the top 1% of wide defenders in the continent in terms of assists, averaging a huge 0.32 per 90, showing his ability to contribute in the final third as well as in defensive areas.

Joao Cancelo is set to leave Manchester City.

Defensively, the Barreiro-born gem could be a reliable asset to Arsenal, averaging 2.13 tackles per 90, considerably higher than Zinchenko who scores 1.71 in this area via FBref.

There are several reasons as to why the quality of the three-time Premier League winner would be a strong fit for the Gunners, one being his suitability to play alongside Saliba.

Featuring predominantly for Arsenal on the right side of central defence, the Frenchman is a right-footed ball player and could provide a solid outlet when transitioning play through the City ace on his side of the defence.

As per FBref, the 22-year-old averages 3.69 progressive passes and holds a pass completion rate of 91% per 90, showing that he is an accomplished passer of the ball – which could become a deadly combination alongside Cancelo.

The Bayern Munich loanee rates highly in comparison to those in his position in Europe when it comes to receiving progressive passes, averaging 8.6 per 90, which places him in the top 4% in this attribute, via FBref.

Arteta could form a defensive quartet of players equally as impressive defensively as they are as a threat going forward, in a system that could take Arsenal to the next level and push on again next term.

Newcastle Eyeing £44m-Rated “Magic” Midfielder

Newcastle United are currently battling West Ham United for the potential signing of Chelsea's Conor Gallagher.

How much is Conor Gallagher worth?

The Toon have secured themselves a spot in the Champions League for the upcoming season on the back of a sensational campaign which saw them finish fourth.

However, with that brings the pressure of competing among Europe's best which could put some question marks on the depth of Eddie Howe's squad.

Newcastle were able to capitalise on the underwhelming campaigns from the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea but playing the likes of Real Madrid could bring another challenge altogether.

This has seen the Magpies linked with some ambitious moves this summer with reports suggesting they hold a serious interest in the Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.

But it seems as if they could also be turning their attention to some potential opportunities within the Premier League.

Indeed, Gallagher is a player who has been linked with a potential exit from Stamford Bridge this summer with reports suggesting Brighton & Hove Albion hold an interest.

According to reports from Germany (via football.london), the Blues have placed a whopping £44m price tag on their England international this summer.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed it is the Irons who may pose the biggest threat to the Toon in their pursuit of Gallagher:

"I wanted to add something and it's something about other clubs; Newcastle and West Ham. These two clubs are in the race for Conor Gallagher.

"This is an idea, this is a concrete idea, so we will see where they go from there but these two clubs are interested in Gallagher and Chelsea are open to letting him go."

How much does Conor Gallagher earn?

Newcastle will now see a higher revenue stream come into the club this summer following their qualification for the Champions League and a significant new sponsorship deal.

Indeed, the Tyneside club have sealed a deal with a Saudi Arabian firm which will see a reported £25m come into the club annually to feature on the front of their shirt.

This could potentially open the door for the Toon to make some bigger transfers over the coming years and see a possible increase in their wage structure.

Currently, their believed top earner at the club is Kieran Trippier on a reported £120k-per-week.

The same website reports – the hailed "magic" – Gallagher as earning £50k-per-week at Chelsea, however, if he is to seal a big move he could likely see his wages increase significantly.

But did the England international show enough in the 2022/23 campaign to justify Newcastle potentially spending in the region of £44m this summer?

After all, he only managed to find the back of the net three times in his 35 league appearances so perhaps this is money which could be spent better elsewhere.

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