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West Ham United have reportedly identified Torino’s industrious midfielder Sasa Lukic as a viable January target to lure to the London Stadium this winter.

As per Tuttosport, Hammers boss David Moyes is singling the 26-year-old out as a top winter target, and with the Torino ace reportedly available for £13m, it is a deal that certainly could cross the finish line – although with increasing interest this figure may start to creep upwards.

With Lukic’s contract with his Italian club is set to expire in the summer of 2024, meaning that unless a renewal can be agreed there will be a desire to cash in on a player that has been an ever-present in the starting line-up since arriving from Partizan Belgrade as a 19-year-old in 2016.

But the hierarchy at the east London outfit will indeed need to act swiftly if they are to take the lead in the race for the Serbian sensation, with Calciomercato claiming that Leicester City, AS Roma and Napoli are all eyeing a move. 

Imagine him and Lucas Paqueta 

Torino currently sit in ninth place in the Italian top-flight, and Lukic has been integral to the team’s success, recording an average rating of 6.95 and flourishing with his crisp passing and assured presence, serving as a pivot and offering both defensive fortification and attacking flair when an apt opportunity arises. 

He is tremendous across a variety of roles, possessing the whole gamut of requisite attributes to prosper in the Premier League.

His particular skill set could merge nicely with that of Lucas Paqueta, who has failed to live up to the £51m price tag thus far, following his move from Olympique Lyonnais in the summer.

Paqueta, a robust and industrious maestro with a keen eye for a forward pass, has recorded an average Premier League rating of 6.93, which is by no means disappointing, but there is a feeling that there is a lot more to offer, and Lukic could aid the rise to the brim of his potential at the London Stadium.

The Brazilian maestro has failed to score for the Hammers, and having clinched 11 goals and seven assists last season in France, here is evidently far more attacking prowess yet to truly be unleashed on English soil.

Lukic could attack as an anchor, an effective counterpoint at the beating heart of the West Ham squad, to entwine with Paqueta’s toolkit and form a deadly partnership, with the respective 89% and 81% passing accuracies creating an elite level of control; additionally, journalist Josh Bunting lauded the 35-cap gem as “outstanding” for his work in protecting the defensive players of his side.

With both players sturdy conductors with eyes for goals, indeed Lukic has netted 11 goals for Torino since the start of the 20/21 campaign, the dynamism from the centre could reap rewards for Moyes’ dwindling Hammers side, lifting the club away from their lowly 16th place in the Premier League and towards brighter endeavours once again.

Chelsea’s potential signing of Lionel Messi would depend on the financial aspect of the move, according to transfer expert Dean Jones. 

The Lowdown: Still got it 

If we’ve learnt anything throughout the World Cup, it’s that that £670k-per-week legend has still got it. Three goals from four games in this tournament have seen him hold his position as Argentina’s talisman, even in his mid-30s. 

The South American legend has also excelled in France this season, registering 17 attacking contributions for Paris Saint-German in the form of seven goals and 10 assists from 13 Ligue 1 games. 

At 35 years of age, Messi is still delivering in spades at the highest level, and he has recently been linked with a potential free transfer to Chelsea next year when his contract in Paris expires.

The Latest: A Premier League bow?

According to Jones, Messi has interest from the Stamford Bridge club when his deal with PSG expires, although it is highly unlikely to materialise due to the finances which could be involved.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer expert said: “It comes down to finances, it comes down to Messi’s drive to test himself in the Premier League at a club like that at this stage in his career.

“He won’t be willing to make a transfer that flops at this point, so while there might be some interest on Chelsea’s side, it’s difficult to see Messi making that jump.“

The Verdict: Doesn’t seem likely

There is no doubt that Messi’s arrival in the Premier League would be fantastic to see.

However, if he is to make such a move, which seems unlikely at this point in his career, you would imagine that his calling would be at Manchester City to reunite with his former boss Pep Guardiola in a possession-dominated system like that with which he is familiar from Barcelona.

Therefore, Jones is right to play down the prospect of the Argentina icon lining out in a Chelsea shirt.

Everton have struggled yet again in the Premier League this season and it would come as no surprise if Frank Lampard is keen to make moves in the January transfer window, with a new potential transfer target emerging.

What’s the latest?

According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Everton are interested in signing Hoffenheim midfielder Dennis Geiger.

Plettenberg tweeted:

“X News #Geiger: SL Benfica & Everton highly interested in the 24 y/o central midfielder. Some Bundesliga teams too. Tendency at this stage: No contract extension at Hoffenheim, free agent 2023. Talks with all parties ongoing. Current salary around €1.5-2m/year. @SkySportDE”

Lampard can land his own Kovacic

There is no doubt that the Everton boss will want to continue developing and rebuilding his squad after signing eight players in his first full transfer window at Goodison Park and may have the golden opportunity to do so in the new year.

The Toffees are currently 17th in the Premier League, just one point shy of falling into the relegation zone which would be an absolute disaster for the club in their efforts to retain their top-flight status and stabilise in the league table.

As a result, the signing of Geiger could be a big coup in January especially if they can get him for a cut price due to contract expiration next summer.

Over 14 Bundesliga appearances, the talented 24-year-old has scored one goal, registered two assists and tallied up a 91% pass completion in his own half, as well as averaging 1.6 key passes, 1.6 tackles and 2.8 duels won per game, proving that he is a real threat in the centre of the pitch.

The German sensation has been the recipient of high praise due to his consistent performances in midfield for his nation’s U21 team, with former Germany head coach Joachim Low saying:

“His technique is good and he has developed well, he is a player with great prospects, and we are constantly evaluating all U21 national team players.”

More praise comes from former Hoffenheim striker, Sandro Wagner, who compared him to one of Germany’s best players: “He’s a real live-wire on the pitch. With a few more improvements, he can be like Joshua Kimmich.”

However, that’s not the only player he’s been compared to. Indeed, Lampard could land his very own Mateo Kovacic with the two midfielders sharing many similar capabilities and talents in their output this season, with the Chelsea star the fifth most comparable player to Geiger according to FBRef.

The two midfielders came close in many of their attributes including pass completion (84.6% v 83.3%), pass completed (405 v 404), interceptions (11 v 10), aerial duels won (33.3% v 44.4%) and ball recoveries (66 v 49).

With that being said, it would be a great piece of business if Everton can snap up the services of Geiger in January and the midfielder could be a hugely valuable asset to Lampard in the second half of the campaign.

A frustrating Glasgow Rangers injury development has emerged on Ridvan Yilmaz and the severity of the knock the Ibrox defender sustained on Saturday…

What’s the latest?

Light Blues manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has revealed that the left-back is set to be out for multiple weeks after being forced off the pitch in the eighth minute against Aberdeen at Ibrox.

The head coach has also revealed that central defender Ben Davies has been hit with a groin injury and it is now a case of waiting to see whether or not he will spend any time on the sidelines with that issue.

He told the Scotsman: “Ridvan felt his hamstring.

“I think he was decelerating in the box and he felt it straight away. I think he will be out for a couple of weeks. With Ben, it was his groin. He had a moment at the beginning of the game but could continue to half time, but I didn’t want to take any risk with him [after that]. We will see tomorrow how he is and assess it.”

A big blow

This injury should leave van Bronckhorst gutted as it is a big blow to both Rangers and Yilmaz as the Turkey international was finally breaking into the starting XI.

He started in the 1-0 win over Dundee FC in the League Cup and was then named in the starting XI against both Napoli and Aberdeen in two of the next three matches, sitting on the bench for the 1-1 draw with Livingston in the Premiership. The full-back has started three of the last four matches in all competitions after only starting two of the 18 games prior to that.

Borna Barisic had kept him out of the side but van Bronckhorst has recently offered the left-back, who joined from Besiktas in the summer transfer window, a chance to show what he is capable of.

He played 90 minutes in the 3-0 defeat to Napoli in the Champions League and was unfortunate not to end the game with an assist as he created two chances and put a cross on a plate for Alfredo Morelos in the six-yard box, only for the Colombian striker to completely miss the ball.

Yilmaz was rewarded for his display in Europe by being named in the starting XI against Aberdeen and was then forced off the pitch, putting a sad end to his short run in the team.

He could now be out until after the World Cup as Rangers’ last match before the break is on the 12th November and the defender is set to be out for around two weeks.

Therefore, this injury is a worrying blow for both the player and the Light Blues as it has come at the worst possible time with him finally making his mark in the first team.

It could stunt his development and set him back to square one as he will now need to work his way back to fitness and then fight to earn his place back in the team, after spending the first few months of this season doing the same thing. After finally placing his trust in the player and being rewarded for it, van Bronckhorst will certainly be gutted.

Opener Aaron Finch, who smashed an 18-ball half-century to set Australia on the path to a series win, identified that going hard in the mandatory Powerplay was the key to victory

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Sep-2016

Opener Aaron Finch, who smashed 55 off 19 balls to set Australia on the path to a series win, identified that going hard in the mandatory Powerplay was the key to victory. Chasing 213, Australia sprinted to 35 for 0 in three overs, with Finch having scored all 35 runs. David Warner then found his groove with successive fours off left-arm spinner Amila Aponso as the visitors went on to slice 109 runs off the target in the first ten overs.”In a small chase like that you tend to break the back of the chase as quick as you can,” Finch said. “As it worked out, we got off to a flyer and that was nice. There is no pre-planning that I am going to go and tee off. We want to cash in and capitalise on the first ten as much as we can. That’s always spoken about between myself and Davey and the guys coming in. It was about being aggressive in the first ten overs.”Finch made a mockery of Sri Lanka’s attack and ran up an 18-ball half-century, equalling the Australian record shared by Simon O’Donnell and Glenn Maxwell. Did Finch know that he was within touching distance of the record?”No, I actually had no idea. I think three Victorians have all got it now,” Finch said. “I was disappointed not to beat Maxi, to be fair, I would have liked to have beaten Maxi. But Simon O’Donnell, he was a revolutionary of the game, wasn’t he? He was someone who played the game in a sort of modern-day way. I had absolutely no idea what the record was until you see it come up on the screen later on.”Finch also criticised the quality of pitches in the series, something he had done during the ODI series opener at the Khettarama as well. Several balls raised puffs of dust on a deteriorating surface that was used for the third ODI too in Dambulla.”Tough, tough conditions out there,” he said. “We haven’t been treated to good wickets in the one-day series especially… it can be quite frustrating as a batter when you look over and there is a beautiful batting wicket two strips over and it could have been a really entertaining game from a high-scoring point of view. But they used the same one, which was… well, home conditions and they are entitled to do that. It is nice to win when there are a lot of things working against you.”

Wolves were dealt a blow in their search for a new manager on Tuesday evening, as Julen Lopetegui turned down an offer from the Old Gold.

What’s the word?

The former Spain boss, who was sacked by Sevilla last weekend, was widely expected to take over at Molineux ahead of the weekend but he now won’t be moving to the Premier League, which leaves Wolves in a precarious position as they look to find the best possible heir to Bruno Lage.

Liam Keen, who reports for the Express and Star, confirmed the news on Twitter, saying:

“Julen Lopetegui has turned down the chance to take over as Wolves head coach. His elderly father is unwell and he decided this afternoon not to take the job.”

A blessing in disguise?

It seems likely that the Old Gold will continue with Steve Davis and James Collins in the dugout when they face Nottingham Forest at Molineux on Saturday and considering the importance of that match with regard to their respective positions in the Premier League, it is undoubtedly a blow that they couldn’t get Lopetegui in.

However, his recent form with Sevilla and Real Madrid does little to suggest that he would have been a success at Wolves, so while it is damaging in the short term, it may well be a blessing in disguise in the long term for Fosun.

This season saw Lopetegui win just one of his ten matches in La Liga and the Champions League, suffering heavy home defeats against Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund in Europe.

He also struggled during his time with Los Blancos, registering a shocking 1.43 points per game despite managing some of the best players in the world, so it is hard to see how he would have turned things around at Wolves considering their severe lack of confidence in front of goal in recent times.

While Lopetegui has impressed in the past, winning the Europa League with Sevilla, his side looked bereft of any confidence this season and bringing in a manager on the back of some awful form would have been a big risk for a side currently occupying a relegation spot in the top flight.

Therefore, while it is a less-than-ideal situation at Molineux, avoiding Lopetegui may be best for the club’s hopes of remaining in the Premier League this season.

Sky Sports journalist and North East reporter Keith Downie has today revealed a shock update coming out of Newcastle United involving Loris Karius.

The Lowdown: Darlow injury

Downie reported this morning that Karl Darlow has picked up an ankle injury in training, meaning that the St. James’ Park outfit only have two fit senior goalkeepers available in Nick Pope and Mark Gillespie.

Martin Dubravka was allowed to leave on loan to Manchester United in the transfer window, and so Eddie Howe has been left a little short for players he can call upon in between the sticks.

The Latest: Karius inbound

Taking to Twitter, Downie has revealed that free agent Karius is ‘on the verge’ of signing for the North East club after Darlow’s latest injury setback, adding that he is already in Newcastle for a medical:

“Newcastle are on the verge of signing former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius following an ankle injury to Karl Darlow in training yesterday. Karius is a free agent & already in Newcastle for a medical ahead of short-term move.”

The Verdict: Shock

It will come as a shock to the Toon Army that they are about to sign Karius, even though the window has closed.

Of course, clubs can still sign free agents outside of the transfer window, and Karius is currently without a club after last playing for Union Berlin in Germany.

But Tyneside supporters will remember him most from his disastrous spell at Liverpool, where he made two howlers that cost his team the UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid back in 2018, and also lost his starting place in his first season at Anfield.

Nonetheless, Karius at least brings Premier League experience, and so could provide sufficient cover to Pope until Darlow returns from his injury.

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Seko Fofana to the London Stadium this summer.

That’s according to ExWHUemployee, who revealed on a recent episode of The West Ham Way podcast that, despite RC Lens not being overly keen on the idea of parting with the €35m (£29.5m) central midfielder in the coming weeks, the Ivory Coast international is nonetheless a player on David Moyes’ list of targets prior to the closure of the current market next month.

Regarding the club’s interest in the 27-year-old, the Hammers insider said: “There’s also potentially a guy from Lens, although they’re not keen to sell him – they’ve already expressed that. But it’s Seko Fofana, who has emerged as a potential target. Although, that one, I think, is lower down on the list.”

The next Yaya Toure

While Fofana has undoubtedly been something of a late bloomer following his departure from Manchester City back in the summer of 2016, the 27-year-old is finally beginning to prove just how talented a midfielder he truly is – as well as one who deserves a second crack at Premier League football.

Indeed, after enjoying an impressive campaign with Lens in his debut season at the club in the 2020/21 campaign – scoring two goals, registering three assists and creating five big chances over his 30 Ligue 1 appearances – the £22.5m-rated talent took his game to a whole new level last time out.

Over his 38 league fixtures, the £25k-per-week Ivorian demonstrated just how much of an attacking threat he can be from the middle of the park, scoring eight goals, providing one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.6 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 2.1 dribbles per game.

From these returns, it is easy to see why Fofana credited Yaya Toure as being one of the most influential players for him during his formative years in Manchester, as his compatriot was also an incredibly dangerous option in the heart of midfield – something that is evidenced by his 20 goals and eight assists over 35 fixtures in his remarkable 2013/14 Premier League campaign with City.

As such, should David Moyes be able to convince Lens to part with their “relentless” talent this summer, the Scot could well have unearthed the next Toure at the London Stadium, something that is sure to be an incredibly exciting prospect for supporters of the east London club.

West Ham United have reportedly made a ‘concrete offer’ to sign Feyenoord defender Marcos Senesi.

The Lowdown: Moyes makes demand…

Despite the signings of Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Alphonse Areola, Gianluca Scamacca and Maxwel Cornet, it appears manager David Moyes is far from satisfied and expects more this summer.

The Hammers are reportedly chasing a new central defender on top of these names with the likes of Fenerbache star Atilla Szalai also on the agenda at West Ham.

The Premier League side are gearing up for their blockbuster opening game against champions Man City, and with a few weeks of the window remaining have little time to prepare beyond that.

The Latest: West Ham make ‘concrete’ offer…

As per a report from Italy, some Irons transfer news has surfaced as they eye a move for Senesi.

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According to TUTTOmercatoWEB, West Ham have placed a bid on the table to sign him – making a ‘concrete offer’ of €15 million (£13m) for the Argentine.

TMW add that Senesi ‘has been one of the most sought after defenders for several years’ as head of recruitment Rob Newman makes a move for the in-demand star.

The Verdict: Great option?

The centre-half has also been linked to Spanish giants Real Madrid in the past, perhaps highlighting his real quality as a player.

As per WhoScored, the 25-year-old made more blocks and interceptions per 90 than any of his regularly-playing teammates over 2021/2022 as West Ham attempt to sign a clearly combative defensive ace.

Senesi could well be one to watch before the closure of this transfer window.

Pete O’Rourke has dropped a claim concerning Celtic’s reported interest in signing Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to Football FanCast, the journalist and transfer insider had this to say on the matter: “Semenyo has been linked with Celtic for a long time now. He’s somebody that’s been on their radar for the last couple of transfer windows as well.

“Obviously, I think he’s carrying an injury at the minute so that’s maybe stalled a potential move on this one, but I’m sure Celtic will be maintaining a close brief on his return to fitness.” 

With 136 senior club appearances to his name throughout his career, the 22-year-old really made a name for himself throughout his latest season in the English Championship.

Celtic fans will be buzzing

Having made 31 league appearances for Bristol City in 2021/22, the striker found the net eight times and delivered 12 assists in the process, which shows just how capable he is of scoring goals and setting them up for his team-mates.

He also posted a higher rate for shots on target per 90 minutes (1.14) than any other Robins player last season, along with the highest average for dribbles per game (1.2) at Ashton Gate.

This makes it easy to see why the Hoops have had their eye on the player and what he could offer to Ange Postecoglou’s side.

As O’Rourke mentioned, the striker suffered an injury in June which will reportedly keep him out of action until September.

With that in mind, it could make a move for him in this summer’s transfer window rather difficult to complete.

However, with the Ghanaian’s contract set to expire next June, the forthcoming January transfer window could be an ideal time for the Hoops to finally make a move for the player, as it could be the only chance that Bristol City get to cash in on him if he doesn’t sign a new deal.

Now that O’Rourke has claimed that Celtic could be still keeping an eye on the player, this would surely have a lot of Hoops fans buzzing and hopeful that their club will make a move for the 22-year-old in January.

AND in other news: Journalist drops big behind-the-scenes transfer update, it’s bad news for Celtic supporters