All posts by h716a5.icu

Arsenal host Valencia in arguably their most important fixture of the season thus far. Reaching the semi-final of the Europa League represents a genuine chance to both pick up some silverware and gain a place in the Champions League. With their recent Premier League form nothing short of disastrous, this game has become increasingly important. 

A player they will most certainly turn to is £56m signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has been clinical in front of goal this season. However, the Arsenal forward arguably hasn’t received the plaudits he’s deserved. It raises a prominent question – is Aubameyang this season’s most underrated player?

The striker was signed in a big money deal in January 2018. It’s fair to say he hit the ground running, scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances. The return offered much promise going into Unai Emery’s inaugural Premier League campaign.

In fact, the attacker started the season in style, claiming October’s Player of the Month award after scoring five goals in three games. Incredibly, the Gabon striker only started one of these matches. However, despite continuing to score, the former Dortmund ace has rarely received the plaudits that he seemingly deserves.

The attacker has scored 19 league goals and assisted five in 34 games this season. With just two games remaining, he is still in with a shout for the golden boot. Importantly, only Sergio Aguero has a better goal to minute ratio.

That’s pretty good going.

Analysing Aubameyang’s position this season, he has a distinct disadvantage. This is because the striker is often deployed on the wing and has six times made an appearance from the bench. According to TransferMarkt, he has been utilised as a winger in 12 of his league appearances this season. It would certainly have been interesting to see the figures if he had played solely as a striker.

Theo Walcott syndrome, anyone? We joke, of course, but why not give him a chance?

It’s clear to see the quality the forward possesses, but he was the only player in the top four Premier League goalscorers list not to be nominated for Player of the Season. Yes, Arsenal are not in the title race where the others are. But perhaps that adds validity to his quality.

Indeed, the lethal African forward doesn’t have the same luxuries around him that Sergio Aguero, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane have.

He is two goals off the lead in the top scorer’s list. This is despite playing 500 minutes less than Salah, 350 minutes less than Mane and having 22 shots less than Aguero. Perhaps those who criticise the striker should take another look at the stats. They are indeed compelling.

Aubameyang must be considered the most underrated in the Premier League this season.

What do you think Arsenal fans? Is Aubameyang the most underrated player in the Premier League this season? Comment below. 

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With a defence most teams outside the top-six would die for, a penalty master and a winger who has got the big clubs swooning, Palace have plenty of assets in their side that make them one of the most exciting sides to watch in the Premier League, but they are not without their weaknesses.

Until his standout performance versus Arsenal last month, Christian Benteke’s career at Selhurst Park had been lurching from disaster to disaster, while Jordan Ayew, Alexander Sorloth and Connor Wickham don’t cut the mustard and Michy Batshuayi has been distinctly average since signing in January. It’s clear that the Eagles must invest heavily in a striker this summer or at least be shrewd with who they bring in to lead the line next term.

Fortunately, and permitting that they hold onto the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, this is the only glaring issue facing Roy Hodgson and co ahead of their seventh consecutive season in the top flight. The longstanding problem that was Wayne Hennessey between the sticks is a distant memory now, with Vicente Guaita proving a very, very astute signing.

The Spaniard has won plaudits galore with some impressive reflex stops, of which his jaw-dropping save from Cenk Tosun at Selhurst Park two weeks ago is the latest, and has arguably been crucial to his side’s sustained success despite the absence of central-defensive pairing James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho through injury.

While the aforementioned duo work their way back to fitness, Scott Dann and Martin Kelly have filled in and, aside from the latter’s blunder at Cardiff last time out, they have deputised brilliantly. Both deserve credit for the job they’ve done in recent weeks but the confidence inspired by having Guaita’s calm, assured presence behind them cannot be understated.

Sure, the Spaniard has made the rare mistake since ousting Hennessey from the starting lineup on a permanent basis, but it’s undeniable that he’s a huge upgrade on the towering Welshman – and Palace got him for free.

The SE25 outfit have taken some notable steps in the transfer market to maximise the success that this prolonged spell in the top flight can yield, including the big money additions of the aforementioned Sakho and Benteke, although Guaita might just be their best bit of business in terms of value since they re-signed Zaha in 2015.

Should Crystal Palace keep hold of Max Meyer this summer? Harvey Jones discusses in the video below…

Captain Luka Milivojevic is a close second but the fact that Palace have been able to solve a problem that has plagued them since they achieved promotion to the top flight in 2013 without spending a penny is phenomenal.

At 32-years-old, Guaita has time left at the top of his game and, in terms of the impact he’s made to the team and the efforts he’s gone to since crossing the channel, there is no better value for money Palace addition in the past few years.

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Speaking to Leicester City’s radio show Extra-time following the conclusion of the Premier League season, former player Matt Elliott suggested that the Foxes’ solidity at the back has been overlooked.

What’s the word?

Leicester finished the season with a rather dull 0-0 against Chelsea last weekend but it was a performance that showed promising signs ahead of the new campaign under Brendan Rodgers.

The Foxes ended the term in ninth place, five points off seventh and a possible return to European competition.

Their form under Claude Puel had a large say in the fact they finished behind Wolves but there are certainly reasons to be optimistic for Leicester supporters now. That’s especially if they buy into Elliott’s comments.

He claimed that as good as the Midlands club have been in attack, their defensive displays have gone under the radar. Commenting on Extra-time, he said:

“I think that’s something that’s been bypassed and overlooked a little bit since Brendan Rodgers has come in. Everyone’s talking about the pace of the game and the attacking emphasis to it but they look pretty solid as well.”

Back to basics

Rodgers has done a tremendous job since walking through the doors at the King Power. Reverting back to their classic counter-attacking style of play, Leicester have rediscovered their attacking prowess.

Jamie Vardy had a mesmeric end to the season, whilst the form of James Maddison and Youri Tielemans was equally as impressive.

But it’s at the back and in midfield where the Foxes have improved the most, and it’s definitely something that’s gone under the radar.

Leicester have gone back to basics and that’s particularly the case in midfield with Wilfred Ndidi, who is now doing things in a much simpler fashion.

Ricardo Pereira has also benefited from Rodgers, adding another level to his game defensively. He has been imperative in the final weeks of the season, helping the club keep clean sheets against both Chelsea and Arsenal.

Starring alongside Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire and Ben Chilwell, the defence has been phenomenal and you can definitely make a case for them being overlooked at times.

Even Wes Morgan has found form under Rodgers. With that in mind, just imagine what they can do next term.

The 2018/2019 season may not be properly over yet, but the summer transfer window is well and truly underway as clubs around the world size up who they would like to sell and who they would like to buy.

Even the top teams, like Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, are completing that task as we speak. And you may not think that the record Premier League runners-up and UEFA Champions League finalists need to add much to their stellar squad, but there are at least 15 players that they should be targeting this summer.

Find out who they are as we take you through them…

Max Kruse

The 31-year-old former German international striker Max Kruse has taken the Bundesliga by storm this season with an eye-catching 10 goals and 11 assists whilst captaining Wolfsburg. And what makes him even more attractive in this summer’s transfer window is the fact that he’ll be available on a free.

It’s a no-brainer for Klopp, who needs to bolster his back-up striker ranks for if any members of his deadly front three become unavailable, to sign Kruse on a free. Although the veteran would have to get used to playing a very different role at Anfield.

Jonathan Tah

It seems like currently, the Reds possess one world-class centre-back in the form of Virgil van Dijk and a band of inferior defenders all bidding to be his partner, with none of them being able to hold down the position permanently.

The club must seek to solve that problem in the summer transfer window and they should certainly be targeting Jonathan Tah in their attempt to do that. Bayer Leverkusen’s Tah is a six-time international with Germany already at the age of 23 and surely destined for a move to a bigger club soon.

Mile Svilar

Mile Svilar burst onto the scene with Benfica in the 2017/2018 campaign, catching the eye during his gutsy performance against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League on the night he became the youngest ever goalkeeper in the competition.

Nearly two years down the line, he’s struggling to break into the Eagles’ first team and now the Red Devils’ fierce rivals Liverpool should be looking to offer the 19-year-old a way out. They desperately need better goalkeeping back-up than Simon Mignolet.

Timo Werner

Roberto Firmino has endured his fair share of injury worries in recent times, which should remind Liverpool of the need to have a back-up option just as good as the Brazilian centre-forward.

As it seems they already have, the Reds must identify that man as Red Bull Leipzig’s Timo Werner. The 23-year-old is regarded by many to be the future of the German attack and 16 Bundesliga goals and 10 assists over the course of 2018/2019 does not contradict that claim.

Daniel Caligiuri

Daniel Caligiuri may seem like an odd name to be included on our list of 25 players Liverpool should target this summer, but he’s there for a reason.

The 31-year-old has become one of the best right-backs in the German top flight in the twilight years of his career, earning the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs. He would be the perfect understudy to the team’s current first choice, young Trent Alexander-Arnold – the Englishman doesn’t have one at present.

Julian Brandt

Along with his international teammate Werner, left winger Julian Brandt has been heavily linked with the Merseysiders in the build-up to and the early part of the summer transfer window.

Klopp should undoubtedly use this window to secure a good enough reserve option for each member of the renowned front three. The 14-assist and 24-cap 23-year-old can provide that support on the left side and perhaps be the player his fellow German thought Xherdan Shaqiri would be when he signed him last summer.

Houssem Aouar

Houssem Aouar is one of the most talked-about names in this transfer window and there seems that there isn’t a big side in Europe not vying for his signature. It would be a huge statement if Liverpool were able to make it theirs.

The transfer would make lots of sense in footballing terms too as the Reds have been lacking a Philippe Coutinho figure ever since the number ten playmaker left for Barcelona in January 2018. Aouar creates enough to fulfill that role and would take the pressure off Firmino hugely in the northwest.

Steven Bergwijn

One man high on the list of potential understudies for Firmino for this summer should be young Dutch striking sensation Steven Bergwijn.

The 21-year-old has scored or assisted an unholy amount of goals for PSV Eindhoven in all competitions this season – 28 in 41 appearances and in the process broken into the Netherlands national team. Bergwijn will take his talents to a much bigger side this summer and the Red Half of Merseyside will want to make sure it’s them.

Tanguy Ndombele

Last summer transfer window, Klopp heavily boosted his central midfield with the notable captures of Fabinho and Naby Keita to join the likes of skipper Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijanaldum and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The latter has hugely struggled in his first term at Anfield and been called a flop by the masses. The signing of Olympique Lyon’s Tanguy Ndombele, one of the most promising midfielders in Europe, would allow them to cash in on Keita and get one over the side that narrowly pipped them to the title Man City, who are also in for him.

Ryan Sessegnon

The emergence of Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon brought the term wonderkid to England and at 18 in the wake of the Cottagers’ relegation from the Premier League, it seems like the right time for the England under-21 to make his big move.

Sessegnon has proved himself to be a very useful player indeed at the highest level and one Klopp should be targeting for his versatility. The youngster could provide cover on the left of the front three, drop back into a left wing or left midfielder or even be deployed in the left-back position in the event of an injury crisis.

There are not many young starlets who would fit Jurgen Klopp’s desired profile, as well as Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze, does. Indeed, Liverpool are reportedly looking to add to their stockpile of talents this summer and reports from Goal suggest the Yellow Submarine may have exactly what the Reds seek: lightning quick, versatile youngster, eager to make it on the big stage. 

Looking at the pure attacking talent pool of Liverpool, one could easily conclude that new forwards are not needed at all. Granted, if Klopp wants an immediate improvement on his trident up front, he’s going to have a really hard time finding it in the current market. The only real step ups from the Mane-Salah-Firmino strikeforce are either a certain Argentinian who bleeds red and blue or that Portuguese lad hoping to kickstart his career in Italy.

Even they would probably struggle to cope with Klopp’s heavy metal regiment at the Merseyside since, even though they are a class above everyone else, they are slowly getting on with their careers. Samuel Chukwueze, however, isn’t. On the contrary, with only 19 years on his back, he is literally at the start and already tearing La Liga apart piece by piece. And this is no exaggeration either; Chukwueze made his way from his nation’s youth programs into Villarreal’s first team in a matter of a year, scoring five goals and assisting two since November and in a total of 26 appearances, in 13 of which he was a starter.

Liverpool’s attack is all about intensity, pace and gallons of energy. And this Nigerian gem has got it all: he can play on both wings, has a keen eye for setting up and finish a goal and his pace means he glides through defenders like they’re not even there to begin with. It’s difficult to see Villarreal just letting the kid go but if there was a good offer put on their plates, they just might buckle under pressure.

At the start of his professional footballing career, Chukwueze was worth about £500k but now Transfermarkt estimates his value at £9.00m. Quite a jump in just a bit more than a year’s time. Liverpool were already inquiring about his countryman, Moses Simon last summer and then shifted their focus on Ryan Sessegnon but seeing how both could be off the table, they could turn to other options and Chukwueze would soon make them forget they ever asked about them in the first place.

Harry Wilson is reportedly attracting a lot of interest and could be set for a move away from the club, so a look to La Liga could be an excellent way to replace him.

Funding the transfer should not be a problem for the Reds but sacrificing a pawn or two for a potential superstar would be well worth it. After all, Klopp always knew how to pick them and groom them properly. And if he doesn’t, someone else will, that’s a given.

Liverpool fans, would you like to see Samuel Chukwueze in your team this summer? Also, would you be willing to let go of some other players to make way for this Nigerian talent? Let us know in the comments below…

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West Ham have endured a painful transition period in recent seasons and it finally looks like the Londoners have come out the other side.

Whilst this season wasn’t perfect, a 10th place finish, five points behind 7th, is a terrific return after an appalling start to the campaign. Pellegrini’s arrival was designed to symbolise a new era for the Hammers, one that would include increased spending on players and wages, and ultimately see the club strive to make full use of their new London Stadium.

The Chilean manager has undoubtedly raised the standards at the club, elevating with that a new sense of expectation and hope about the direction the side is moving in, leaving fans rightly buoyed for what’s to come.

With West Ham enjoying a good first year with the ex-Premier League title winner at the helm, did all their players deliver and earn their wages over the last 12 months?

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Lukasz Fabianski (£3,380,000 p/y)

Arguably West Ham’s player of the season. The Pole arrived in the summer of 2018 from relegated Swansea and has continued to flourish in the Premier League, making some vital saves for the Hammers throughout the year.

Earned his wages?: Definitely has

Adrian (£2,600,000 p/y)

Adrian’s had to make peace with a role as a second-choice goalkeeper. Over the years he’s shown his quality, and for £50k a week, that’s not a bad a option to have when your number one gets injured.

Earned his wages?: Just about

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Winston Reid (£3,640,000 p/y)

Reid’s missed the whole season through injury, so in that alone he’s not earned his wages. It’s unfortunate and he’s been a wonderful servant to the club, but he’s made nearly £4m without kicking a ball. Injuries are not his fault, and I’m sure there’s more he does behind the scenes.

Earned his wages?: Definitely not

Aaron Creswell (£2,600,000 p/y)

Always a reliable figure in the West Ham side. He’s a favourite at the club and was even trusted with the captain’s armband against Southampton this season.

Earned his wages?: Definitely has

Fabián Balbuena (£2,080,000 p/y)

The Paraguayan arrived from Corinthians and has looked very accomplished in the back-four, especially as he’s had to immediately strike a partnership with fellow new arrival Issa Diop.

Earned his wages?: Definitely has

Pablo Zabaleta (£3,900,000 p/y)

While he may be an ageing right-back, Zabaleta often showed glimpses of his former self, most notably against Manchester United in September. His experience has often been vital for the Hammers.

Earned his wages?: Definitely has

Angelo Ogbonna (£3,640,000 p/y)

He’s done ok, making 24 league appearances and battling for a starting place with two other new signings. Nothing stellar about his performances and looks levels away from their best defender, Diop.

Earned his wages?: Just about

Issa Diop (£3,484,000 p/y)

He’s had to adapt to the Premier League like any other, but some of the end of season performances were a glimpse into the levels this player could reach. Immense at times and has all the attributes to become one of the best in the league.

Earned his wages?: Definitely has

Ryan Fredericks (£2,080,000 p/y)

Has had to battle with the experience of Zabaleta, but Fredericks offers a more direct and adventurous option for the right-hand side. Definitely a good option for Pellegrini, especially as they signed him for free.

Earned his wages?: Definitely has

Arthur Masuaku (£2,080,000)

He’s got tricks and skill but I’m not sure how much substance there is behind all that. Often exposed in games but has come on significantly under both David Moyes and Pellegrini. Another good option at full-back on a modest Premier League wage.

Earned his wages?: Just about

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Manuel Lanzini (£3,640,000 p/y)

Boasts undeniable talent but injuries have cost him most of the season, which is a shame because with the right conditions around him he could be a Champions League level player. Unfortunately, though, he’s not been able to contribute over the season at all.

Earned his wages?: Only just

Robert Snodgrass (£2,080,000 p/y)

Regarded by some as a strange signing when he arrived from Hull City two years ago, and his inclusion this season is even more baffling after his Aston Villa loan spell in 2017/18. However, Pellegrini has used him in big games this year and clearly trusts the Scot.

Earned his wages?: Definitely has

Pedro Obiang (£2,860,000 p/y)

Tends to not be part of Pellegrini’s favourite midfield three but that hasn’t stopped him making 24 appearances in the league this season. He provides good squad depth and a more dynamic midfield option.

Earned his wages?: Just about

Carlos Sanchez (£2,600,000 p/y)

Sanchez arrived in the summer as a bizarre signing. An ageing midfielder who had struggled in previous Premier League campaigns. Unfortunately for him, though, injuries ended his season before it really got started.

Earned his wages?: Definitely not

Mark Noble (£2,600,000 p/y)

Midfielders on quadruple his earnings have struggled to maintain the form and consistency of this man. With Rice in the middle, they’ve struck a phenomenal partnership and it’s such a shame he never had any England recognition during his career.

Earned his wages?: Definitely has

Samir Nasri (£4,160,000 p/y)

He’s made five Premier League appearances, including a decent debut performance against his old side Arsenal. He’s struggled to get his career back on track and hasn’t added anything to West Ham’s season.

Earned his wages?: Definitely not

Jack Wilshere (£5,200,000 p/y)

At his best he’s wonderful to watch, the only problem is that we’re seeing his best less and less as the years go on. This season he only managed eight appearances, and Unai Emery’s decision to let him go seems ever smarter as the games-missed tally continues to rise.

Earned his wages?: Definitely not

Declan Rice (Undisclosed)

He’s been one of West Ham’s standout performers and the top six will certainly be looking at him. With Pellegrini in charge there’s plenty of maturing yet to achieve with the East Londoners, but he already looks poised to fill an important role for his country. What a massive 12 months he’s just had.

Earned his wages?: Definitely has

Felipe Anderson (£4,420,000 p/y)

He’s West Ham’s signing of the season, even though he came with a hefty price tag. The Brazilian started life in the middle of the pitch but since moving to the left he’s looked very dangerous. Possesses genuine quality, class and the end product to go with it.

Earned his wages?: Definitely has

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Marko Arnautovic (£5,200,000 p/y)

In the first half of the season he looked unplayable at times. Then after constant links with a move to China, Arnautovic signed a contract extension to continue his stay with the Hammers. Since the renewal he’s looked miles off his best, and overall it’s been a disappointing season on and off the pitch for the Austrian.

Earned his wages?: Definitely not

Andy Carroll (£4,680,000 p/y)

Once again, a player who undoubtedly has a part to play for any squad in the league, possessing an aerial threat like no other. However, that same old story with injuries has marred his season, restricting the striker to 12 appearances all season – not enough for £90k-a-week.

Earned his wages?: Definitely not

Javier Hernandez (£7,280,000 p/y)

He’s the highest earner at the club, but he’s miles away from being their best player. Seven goals in one season doesn’t earn you this kind of money, however, he’s been a reliable presence when Arnautovic and Carroll have failed to be. That consistency alone earns him some merit.

Earned his wages?: Just about

Andriy Yarmolenko (£5,980,000 p/y)

Yarmolenko slowly began to find real form for the Hammers before injury ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. Fans will be excited to see him back as his brief spell in the side showed off many of the qualities he has to offer, however, the long injury has kept him from having any real impact for the Hammers.

Earned his wages?: Only just

Lucas Perez (£4,160,000 p/y)

Despite making 26 appearances, Lucas Perez has managed just the four goals. It was another bizarre signing from Pellegrini, and it hasn’t really worked for him at all.

Earned his wages?: Definitely not

Michail Antonio (£3,640,000 p/y)

A great character, well-liked and versatile, but a strange one as no one quite knows what his best position is. He’s not always a regular, but still plays his part every season, chipping in with some very important goals.

Earned his wages?: Definitely has

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Filip Benkovic is refusing to rule out signing for Celtic again next season after a successful period on loan from Leicester City, as reported by The Scottish Sun.

What’s the story?

The Croatian made 30 appearances for Celtic after both signing for Leicester City and then joining the Hoops on loan last summer.

Although suffering from injury and fitness problems in certain spells, it would be regarded as a great transfer move for all parties, with Celtic supporters delighted by his contributions mostly playing alongside Belgian international Dedryck Boyata.

Benkovic loved his time in Glasgow and speaking to media in the wake of Celtic’s Scottish Cup victory he made it clear he’s open to a return to Celtic Park.

As quoted by The Scottish Sun, he said:

“We will have to wait and see what happens in the summer and what is the plan for me next season. I have spoken with Leicester a little bit about what will happen, but not too much, as I was just concentrating on Celtic.

“I wouldn’t rule out coming back, you never know where life will take you. I don’t know what will happen but I really enjoyed my time at Celtic.

“I am so proud to have played for Celtic and I am so thankful for everything they did for me. It was a really big honour for me to play with these guys and it was a special way to finish the season.

“This year will stay with me forever. I will never forget it. I am part of history and no one can take that away from me. No amount of money can make you feel like this.”

Do Celtic need him?

Absolutely. The Hoops should be doing everything they can to retain Benkovic’s services considering the potential woes in the centre-back position this summer.

Dedryck Boyata has made the move to Hertha Berlin, so the club are two defenders down by default, leaving only Kristoffer Ajer and Jozo Simunovic as viable first-team options.

Jack Hendry has dropped out of Celtic’s plans and Marvin Compper has made just one appearance since signing for the club in January 2018.

Benkovic is a known quantity and definitely has the quality to play domestically and in Europe for the club.

Ajer partnership

After injuries to both Benkovic and Boyata, who were the first-choice partnership for large chunks of the season, Ajer has emerged as a quality option in the position.

He looks like he can lead the way for Celtic in the defence next season having slowly developed into a strong and committed performer who can cope physically and also comfortably move forward with the ball and combine with teammates.

Playing regularly alongside a talented peer such as Benkovic could only develop his abilities further. The duo are popular with fans and given the opportunity could form one of Celtic’s best defensive partnerships in years.

As well as Simunovic has played recently, his compatriot is a better player and better complements the young Norwegian. If there’s a chance to secure another loan for Benkovic, Celtic must take it.

Spurs will be looking to add some new players this summer as Chairman Daniel Levy looks to back Mauricio Pochettino in the market.

A place in the Champions League final was just rewards for the Londoners as they once again put in some superb showings over the course of the campaign with their young squad.

The likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Heung Min-Son were once again instrumental for the club, but we here in the Tavern feel a few new players are needed if the club are to really challenge for some silverware next season.

That’s why we feel this weekend’s news that the club could move for Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele is the perfect sort of news for Spurs fans to get excited about.

The all action midfielder has been simply superb over in France this season, with the 22-year-old contributing seven assists to go along with his combative and energetic displays for the French giants.

Ndombele is just what the club need too, having never really replaced Moussa Dembele and with persistent rumours surrounding the future of playmaker Christian Eriksen.

Defensively too, Ndombele impresses, with stats suggesting he averages 2 tackles a game as well as an interception. Ndombele is full of energy too, while his strength in possession marks him out as the sort of player who would slot in nicely to the English game.

Spurs need to sign a player who can take control of the middle of the park and allow their flare players to push on. While Eric Dier is steady, he hasn’t got the mobility to get around the middle of the park like Ndombele does.

The club have a real chance to win some big trophies in the coming seasons, and signing Ndombele can only improve those prospects for Spurs.

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Per a report from Football Insider, Wolves are set to ask about the availability of Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips as the two clubs discuss a loan deal for Helder Costa.

What’s the word?

Express & Star reported earlier this week that Leeds were keen on adding Costa to their ranks next season in what would be a potential loan switch for the Portuguese forward.

The player was made surplus to requirements in May and there’s now a greater possibility he could leave according to the newspaper’s report.

However, Football Insider are now suggesting that Leeds midfielder Phillips could be included in any deal that does take place.

They suggest that the Midlands outfit are set to ask about his availability when discussions take place over a move for Costa.

Wolves have now joined Aston Villa in the race for his signature after The Telegraph revealed the Villans’ interest on Wednesday night.

Saiss in danger

Romain Saiss didn’t enjoy the greatest of seasons at Molineux during 2018/19.

Playing a key role in their promotion winning campaign, he was a victim of the good form of Joao Moutinho and Leander Dendoncker after they arrived through the door.

The Moroccan started just 12 times in the league last term but that could be reduced further if Phillips makes a move to Wolves.

Saiss is capable of playing in both defence and midfield but he failed to really impress in either role after stepping up a division.

Phillips is a player who can play in the same positions and therefore there’s a strong possibility he could take his place in the side if he does complete a switch.

Gareth Bale to Wolves? Wolves Fan TV discuss how ambitious Nuno Espirito Santo will be this summer in the video below…

The 5 ft 10 man is a good passer of the ball and also strong in the tackle, starring predominantly as a defensive midfielder in the Championship.

But he also stood out at centre-back, playing 44 times in the league for Marcelo Bielsa’s men last campaign.

At 23 years of age, he’s a player with plenty of promise and given the form of Saiss throughout Wolves’ first year back in the Premier League, he could be dislodged fairly easily by a new arrival.

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According to Sky Sports News, West Ham United have launched a £13m bid for Eibar midfielder Joan Jordan.

What’s the word, then?

Having already secured the signature of Pablo Fornals from Villarreal, West Ham are seemingly looking to raid La Liga once again for Jordan.

Indeed, according to Sky Sports News, the Hammers have made a £13m offer for the 24-year-old, although a similar bid has also arrived from Valencia.

In the current market, £13m does not go too far.

However, West Ham would be securing the services of an extremely talented player if they managed to lure Jordan to the London Stadium.

The fact that Jordan’s contract with Eibar expires next summer is one of the main reasons why his valuation is so low.

And the Hammers must not pass up the chance to secure the Spaniard, who would make a real difference to the team’s midfield next season.

What type of player is Jordan?

A well-balanced central midfielder, Jordan scored four times and contributed four assists in 36 La Liga appearances for Eibar last term.

Meanwhile, WhoScored credit the midfielder with a pass success rate of just over 83% in La Liga during the 2018-19 campaign.

There will be more glamorous signings in the Premier League this summer. However, few will be better value for money than Jordan if the deal goes through.

Fornals will turn out to be a wonderful player for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

And following the capture of the Spaniard with Jordan’s signing would be an excellent piece of business by the capital outfit.

Whilst clubs across Europe are threatening to overspend on average footballers, the Hammers are on the verge of sealing a real bargain.