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West Ham United’s “dream target” for the summer transfer window is Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Who is Leon Goretzka?

Goretzka is primarily a central midfielder who has played his football at the Allianz Arena since 2018 having moved there on a free transfer from FC Schalke, and during his five years at the club, he’s become a regular first team feature, clocking up 179 appearances to date, which has alerted clubs in the Premier League.

The Germany international still has another three years to run on his contract with Thomas Tuchel’s side, but there’s a strong possibility that he’ll be on the move before the end of the ongoing window after being put up for sale by his manager. Plettenberg previously said:

“Leon Goretzka is definitely a candidate whose situation is being watched very closely by the English, because they didn’t miss the fact that Goretzka was allowed to leave Bayern. Bayern is currently considering a fee of €40m [£34m] to €50m [£43m]. Tuchel would definitely let him go because Tuchel wants to create space in the squad.”

Read The Latest West Ham Transfer News HERE…

Sky Sports in his homeland soon after reported that the Irons were preparing an offer for the 28-year-old, and whilst a significant development of that sort is yet to come to fruition, David Moyes doesn’t seem to have forgotten about the talisman in the Bundesliga.

Are West Ham signing Leon Goretzka?

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that West Ham have held a strong, long-standing interest in Goretzka, but admitted that at this stage, any move being completed could be more of a pipe dream. He wrote:

“Man Utd never lost their focus on Leon #Goretzka! Understand the 28 y/o is still on the list of the club. #MUFC. Goretzka wanted to stay 100% – but the last ten days have clearly shown that he won’t be a starter under Tuchel for now. Tuchel is planning with Kimmich/Laimer and wants a new holding six on top. Difficult situation. ManUtd & Goretzka, situation to watch! Still a dream target for West Ham.”

West Ham have been heavily linked with a move for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse this summer, but having seen a £20m, followed by an increased £30m offer rejected, they may need to start looking for central midfield alternatives. Having been dubbed “top-class” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Goretzka could be the perfect candidate.

The Bochum native is naturally stronger in the offensive aspect of his game following his 12 goal contributions (six goals and the same number of assists) across all competitions last season, but he’s also capable of putting in a shift defensively having averaged 1.7 aerial wins and 1.6 tackles per league game, via WhoScored.

Goretzka, who pockets £296k-per-week, furthermore knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level having secured 14 pieces of silverware for club and country throughout his career, so should he put pen to paper, he would be able to instil a much-needed winning mentality into the squad at the London Stadium.

Yuvraj Singh and wicketkeepers Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant have been omitted from India’s squad for the limited-overs leg of the Sri Lanka tour

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Aug-20174:20

Dasgupta: Selectors looking ahead to 2019 World Cup

Yuvraj Singh and wicketkeepers Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant have been omitted from India’s squad for the limited-overs leg of the Sri Lanka tour. The selectors also opted to rest the spin duo of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja along with Umesh Yadav and Mohammad Shami, the team’s frontline seamers during the Test series. Seamer Shardul Thakur and legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal were drafted into the 15-man squad, which also features the fit-again KL Rahul, an in-form Manish Pandey and Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the West Indies series. Rohit Sharma also returns to the squad as vice-captain after being rested for the West Indies tour.At 35, Yuvraj’s time may be running out as the selectors probably showed the first definitive signs of identifying a fresh middle-order combination in the lead up to the 2019 World Cup. Ever since his 32-ball 53 against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, Yuvraj has gone six innings without a half-century, and managed only 57 runs in his three most recent innings in the West Indies.ESPNcricinfo LtdWhile Karthik, who scored an unbeaten 50 in one of the two games he played in the West Indies, finds himself out of the squad, he might not yet be out of contention for a berth in the middle order, given his form in domestic cricket too. The middle order in Sri Lanka will comprise MS Dhoni, Pandey and Kedar Jadhav. Pandey’s selection is a reward for his consistent run in India A’s victorious campaign in the recent tri-nation series involving South Africa and Afghanistan. He emerged as the highest run-scorer in the tournament with 307 runs in five innings, with scores of 32*, 93*, 86*, 41* and 55.With Rahul and Rohit returning to occupy the opening slot, Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane will have their task cut out. While Dhawan has a better strike-rate and scored two centuries in the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka, Rahane comes into the series on the back of some impressive recent limited-overs form. With 336 runs in five innings, including three fifties and a hundred, Rahane topped the run charts in the West Indies series.The bowling attack is heavy on wristspin with Kuldeep Yadav and Chahal in the ranks. The inclusions of Thakur, Axar and Chahal – each of whom has figured in the selection panel’s long list for some time now – have underscored the importance of good performances in the A tours, with nine, seven and six wickets each. Axar, who was called up as cover for Jadeja in the Pallekelle Test, will have a part to play with the bat as well, in the lower middle order.

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson believes Jurgen Klopp is planning on moving to Mallorca when he departs Merseyside this summer.

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Klopp and wife Ulla renovating villa in MallorcaEx-Liverpool defender thinks couple will "retreat" to islandBalearic jewel famously popular with German visitorsWHAT HAPPENED?

The Liverpool boss stunned the football world last week when he revealed he had agreed to step down from his role at the end of the season saying he was "running out of energy." Those comments suggest the German will not be looking for a route back into management any time soon, and Lawrenson has revealed that Klopp and his wife, Ulla, have been busy renovating a mansion on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT LAWRENSON SAID

Lawrenson, who won five league titles and a European Cup while a player at Anfield, let Ireland's radio in on a bit of a secret, stating: "I'm not sure I should tell you this, but it's not a massive secret. He's having a house built in Mallorca. I have a house not far away from where he's building his and I saw him the other month after a game and asked him how the house was coming along. Ulla his wife is in charge of all of that. He swore and said: 'The bloody thing's not even ready yet. And I'm paying all the bills!' So he's probably going to retreat to there for a while, I would suggest. It's not just a nice gaff, it's an absolutely fabulous gaff. It's sensational."

GettyTHE GOSSIP

The reports that the "gaff" in question is a 5,000-square metre villa purchased by the Klopps in the summer of 2022 for €4m (£3.4m/$4.3m). The property has reportedly been given a huge renovation in an effort to make the villa more energy efficient. The landscaping of the surrounding grounds are being managed by the company that designed Mallorca's Five-star Son Buyola Hotel.

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WHAT NEXT?

The Klopps won't lack for company in Mallorca. The Balearic island is so popular with Germans both as a tourist destination and as a place to live that is often jokingly referred to as Germany's 17th state. An incredible 4.5 million Germans visited the island in 2023.

An update has emerged on Arsenal and their interest in a swoop to sign Southampton ace Romeo Lavia ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

What's the latest on Romeo Lavia to Arsenal?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are progressing in their pursuit of a deal to sign the central midfielder this summer.

The reporter tweeted: "Understand Arsenal are advancing in talks to sign Roméo Lavia. Negotiations ongoing with Southampton and player’s camp, still no official bid. Southampton hope for their record fee for U21 player. Man Utd interested but priority is Mount; Chelsea, keeping close eye."

He then added that Premier League champions Manchester City have a buy-back clause that would enable them to snap the Belgian talent up for £40m before the summer of 2024, although it remains to be seen if they are willing to activate it.

Southampton's current club-record U21 sale came in 2014 when they sold Luke Shaw, who was 18 at the time, to Manchester United for a fee of £27m, that could rise to £31m, which means that £40m would meet their requirements for a deal.

This comes alongside a report from Sky Sports that has claimed the club are set to make a £90m bid to snap up West Ham United captain Declan Rice, with Romano confirming that the club's interest in the pair is not related. Indeed, it seems Mikel Arteta and the club are progressing on more deals in the background of the heavily reported Rice saga.

How did Romeo Lavia perform last season?

Southampton signed Lavia from Manchester City in a £14m package ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and the teenager enjoyed a strong first season in senior football in spite of his team's relegation to the Championship.

The Belgium international, who was hailed as a “monster” by journalist Benjy Nurick, had just two first-team appearances to his name prior to moving to the south coast and still only has 32 total games in senior football after 26 Premier League starts for the Saints.

However, he made 3.6 tackles plus interceptions per game and completed 86% of his attempted passes in the division, and his qualities in and out of possession are what made him so highly rated during his time at The Etihad.

Lavia particularly excelled at putting his body on the line for Southampton last term as the 19-year-old enforcer currently ranks in the top 4% of players in his position in the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions for blocks made per 90 (1.90).

Talent scout Jacek Kulig previously claimed that the teenage maestro had the ability to break into City's senior squad. He wrote:

"It is very clear why Pep Guardiola wants Romeo Lavia to be part of the Manchester City first team. He is an intelligent and aggressive presser of the ball in defense, a comfortable dribbler, adept passer of the ball, and physically strong. These traits are enormously important in the Pep Guardiola system, and Romeo Lavia possesses all the talent to break into Manchester City’s first team one day."

This suggests that the potential is there for him to make it at the top level and his experience at St. Mary's could be an important step on his way to success as the exciting youngster now has a good amount of Premier League matches under his belt.

After Arsenal well and truly demolished PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday evening it looked as though the Gunners were back in the silky groove that had seen them dominate so much last season.

Indeed, that looked true during the opening half an hour of the north London derby on Sunday afternoon too.

Mikel Arteta's men came flying at Spurs who were forced to play through a rampant pressing unit. To their credit, Ange Postecoglou's men did well to navigate proceedings in that regard.

It wasn't enough to prevent them from going a goal down, however, with Bukayo Saka finding the net via wicket deflection off Cristian Romero.

That went down as an own goal before Saka would score in his own right from the penalty spot in the second half. That, however, wasn't enough for a win as Heung-min Son scored twice to ensure proceedings ended 2-2.

Arsenal were far from their free-flowing best. Skipper Martin Odegaard, fresh from a majestic performance in the Champions League a few days ago only recorded 18 passes at a woeful 64% success rate, while Jorginho, a half-time substitute for the injured Declan Rice, was robbed of possession in shambolic circumstances by James Maddison for Tottenham's second.

That said, the usually tireless Eddie Nketiah was perhaps one of the biggest party poopers on Sunday.

How did Nketiah play against Spurs?

The young striker has been an astute deputy for Gabriel Jesus throughout 2023.

The Brazilian sustained an injury at the World Cup last winter, a problem that ultimately saw him miss a few months. At the time, it was a worry for the Gunners, but upstepped Nketiah who scored against West Ham and Brighton immediately after the break before bagging twice, including a late winner against Manchester United in late January.

He started the new campaign vibrantly too, netting versus Nottingham Forest and Fulham, but with Jesus now fit and firing again, his performances have dwindled.

Against Everton eight days ago he was hauled off just after the hour mark and probably shouldn't have been given much more time than that yesterday.

Whether he'd have played but for Leandro Trossard's training injury is an interesting trail of thought, as Jesus was moved to the left-hand side after his European exploits, with Nketiah leading the line again.

However, after a timid showing, it was Jesus who was taken off in the second half, with the academy graduate somehow lasting the whole 100 minutes that were played.

Perhaps the most frustrating moment of Nketiah's afternoon was in the first half. Destiny Udogie's backpass flew past Micky van de Ven which left the Arsenal number 14 with a tight chance to score from.

He ignored Fabio Vieira who was racing towards the penalty spot and instead stuck an effort straight at Guglielmo Vicaro in the Tottenham net.

The £100k-per-week earner is usually accustomed to doing the dirty work but was largely anonymous throughout, making a mere six passes in 100 minutes on the field, and also registering just 23 touches of the ball. For context, even the Gunners' stopper, David Raya, had more say with the ball at his feet, taking 42 touches in total.

Described as "average" by Man United personality Mark Goldbridge, this was certainly a game to forget for Nketiah who was decidedly toothless and inept in the final third.

Usually such a vibrant poacher, he lacked the instinct to be in the right place at the right time, with his small influence on the game summed up by Arsenal's apparent lack of desire to put the ball into the area throughout injury time.

To make matters worse, the 24-year-old was perhaps lucky not to be sent off for a late challenge on Vicario as he flew through the Spurs 'keeper when the ball had already gone.

It's not often in the last 12 months that you could say Arsenal need to sign a new striker. Jesus was so promising in the early stages of term but if they are to persist with Nketiah, trouble will only brew in the final third.

Whether or not Trossard and Martinelli are fit for this week's fixtures, Nketiah must be ditched from the starting XI. His position is surely now Jesus' for the taking.

Facundo Pellisti has joined Granada on loan until the end of the season after struggling to hold down a place in Manchester United's starting XI.

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Pellistri moves to Granada on loanMade just one PL start this seasonAgent lashed out at Ten HagWHAT HAPPENED?

It is Pellistri's second loan spell in Spain after spending the second half of the 2020-21 season and the whole 2021-22 campaign with Alaves. The Uruguayan made 14 appearances this season for United but just one start in the Premier League, the 1-0 defeat by Crystal Palace. Granada, who are second from bottom in La Liga will cover Pellistri's wages and pay an undisclosed loan fee to United.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Pellistri grew frustrated with his lack of opportunities and before completing his move to Granada his agent took aim at United boss Erik ten Hag, hinting that the player is unlikely to return to Old Trafford for next season if the Dutchman remains in charge. "Ten Hag hasn’t used him, valued him, or treated him like a professional," Edgardo Lasalvia told . "Whether he returns to Manchester in the middle of the year will depend on the performance he shows. If Ten Hag continues, it’s going to be difficult."

DID YOU KNOW?

Pellistri is a Uruguay international with 18 caps under his belt. He has made 24 senior appearances for United throughout his career, and will now aim to feature regularly in Spain.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR PELLISTRI & MAN UTD?

Pellistri could make his debut for Granada at home to Las Palmas on Saturday. United are in Premier League action away to Wolves on Thursday, searching for their first league win since December 26.

USMNT captain Tyler Adams recalled the "hostile" press conference before their match against Iran at the 2022 World Cup in a new Netflix documentary.

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Adams reflects on "hostile" press conferenceUSMNT captain mispronounced Iran as "eye-ran"Featured on new Netflix documentaryWHAT HAPPENED?

In the recent Netflix documentary Adams reflected on the incident where he incorrectly pronounced the country's name as "eye-ran", causing a controversy prior to the match. Reports even surfaced labeling it as "discrimination".

AdvertisementGettyWHAT ADAMS SAID

Recalling the incident, Adams said: “As soon as I walked into that press conference, you could just tell immediately how hostile it was about to be.” However, the 24-year-old recognized the situation and understood where the journalist was coming from, mentioning how "super important" it was for him to be educated on the manner prior.

"When he asked me that, it wasn’t him attacking me, me attacking him, or going at him in any sense. We knew we were going to deal with a lot of things that had nothing to do with our performance.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The USA went on to win the match in the group stage against the Middle-Eastern side, with Christian Pulisic netting the winner in the 38th minute in a 1-0 victory. Although no true incidents followed or even proceeded the match, the two nation's history in politics caused a stir in the buildup. Adams did go on to apologize for his mispronunciation, however.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ADAMS AND USMNT

The USMNT captain is still sidelined due to injury, but is on his way back, with a return to action on the cards in the coming months. He has yet to play a Premier League match for Bournemouth since signing there in the summer.

Gregg Berhalter and co. are back on January 20 when they host Slovenia in an international friendly.

Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing Serie A ace Hirving Lozano as the Villans prepare to introduce reinforcements to their squad.

Unai Emery isn’t expected to be the only Spaniard with control in the market this summer, with former Sevilla sporting director Monchi sealing a move to Villa Park.

The club have been linked to a host of top talent already, with the latest link being a potentially strong suitor to partner Ollie Watkins.

What’s the latest on Hirving Lozano to Aston Villa?

As reported by various Spanish outlets this week, Aston Villa have emerged as a club interested in Napoli forward Lozano.

One report states that Villa have shown ‘clear interest’ in the Mexico international, who could depart Naples this summer due to a frailed relationship with the board.

It’s claimed the Midlands club are among the ‘most attractive’ options for the 27-year-old, with Villa planning a ‘formal offer’ believed to be in the region of €30m (£26m).

What could Hirving Lozano offer to Aston Villa?

Hailed as a “sensation” by broadcaster Bolarinwa Olajide, the forward could be a revolutionary addition to Emery’s attack.

Likened to Premier League ace Bukayo Saka based on statistics by FBref, the winger is a seasoned attacker, as supported by his career statistics representing PSV, Napoli and Pachuca.

As per Transfermarkt, the Mexican has contributed to 184 goals in 383 recorded appearances, scoring 113 goals and registering 71 assists in consistent streaks that convey a danger in the final third.

When speaking to The Athletic in April, Emery revealed his plans to sign a second striker to play either alongside Watkins or in rotation with the Englishman – which is something he could deliver in signing Lozano.

While the two are most notably strong in front of goal, they have opposing attributes that suggest they could form a complete partnership leading the line at Villa Park.

In the past, Lozano has been likened to Lionel Messi, with his low centre of gravity contributing to him being called “explosive and agile” by PSV director of football Marcel Brands, who formerly scouted the forward – as relayed by football.london.

As per FBref, the £97k-per-week attacker averages better than Watkins in areas that could greatly benefit the ex-Brentford man, registering 4.78 progressive carries per 90 to his average of 1.44.

Having a player that excels in progressive play beside him could be vital to taking the 15-goal striker to the next level, with an added benefit being the Napoli star’s ability to score himself.

Emery has a comprehensive right-winger already in his arsenal in Jacob Ramsey, but to adhere to the Spaniard’s aims of adding depth to his squad that will challenge in Europe next campaign, the move could be significant.

Lozano's contract in Naples expires next summer, so it’s likely that the Serie A champions will wish to cash in on his talents rather than see him leave as a free agent at the close of next season.

Celtic are closing in on securing the signature of defender Gustaf Lagerbielke this summer, according to reports, as Brendan Rodgers looks to reinforce his defensive options in the Scottish Premiership.

The former Leicester City manager got his second spell at the club off to the perfect start, defeating Ross County on the opening day of the season, before overcoming Aberdeen on Sunday lunchtime.

What's the latest on Gustaf Lagerbielke to Celtic?

The Scottish Premiership champions are close to securing the signature of Elfsborg centre-back Lagerbielke for a fee of around £3m, according to Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports, who has reported that the defender is set to undergo a medical next week, before finalising terms on a long-term contract.

"Celtic are closing in on the signing of Elfsborg centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke for a fee of around £3m. The 23-year-old is due to arrive in Glasgow during the week to undergo a medical and finalise terms on a long-term contract."

The 23-year-old looks set to become the seventh name through the door at Celtic Park this season in what has been a fairly successful window for those at the club.

There have been departures, of course, with the exit of Jota to Saudi Arabia side Al-Ittihad and defender Carl Starfelt to Celta Vigo, but, that aside, Rodgers can be pleased with his reinforcements.

Looking to once again win the Scottish Premiership, too, Celtic will only be strengthened by the reported pending arrival of Lagerbielke.

Who is Gustaf Lagerbielke?

Standing at 6ft 3in, Lagerbielke appears to be an imposing central defender, and at 23 years of age, may only get better if he completes the reported move to Celtic this summer.

The Hoops are getting a defender at the top of his game, too, as proven by the fact that his valuation is the highest that it's ever been during his career to date. According to Transfermarkt, Lagerbielke is currently worth €1.2m (£1m), having been worth just €900k (£777k) last year.

With that said, Celtic are swooping in at the best time, before that valuation goes up even more at Elfsborg after another impressive campaign last time out.

Making 15 appearances for the Swedish side last season, Lagerbielke played a key role as his side won the Allsvensken league, edging out Malmo FF by one singular point.

You'd expect that Rodgers will be keen to get a deal done as quickly as possible at Celtic Park, given how thick and fast the fixtures are coming to start off what he hopes will be a successful season.

Speaking after his side defeated Ross County on the opening day, the former Liverpool manager said, via the BBC:

"Once we found our space and combinations we scored a couple of really good goals and played some fantastic football. The two goals we gave away are soft."

An added bonus on the opening day was Rangers' shock defeat against Kilmarnock, handing Celtic an early advantage in the title race.

After already welcoming plenty of reinforcements this summer, they're certainly a side to watch with great interest, too, particularly if they add colossal central defender Lagerbielke before the transfer window slams shut. With weeks remaining before deadline day, though, Celtic will be keen to get the deal done as quickly as possible.

Kobbie Mainoo's class act to inspire Manchester United youngsters, following his exceptional display in Luton Town victory, won hearts at Carrington.

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Mainoo rising rapidly at Man Utd Starred in United's win over Wolves & Luton Town Met the club's U-8s to inspire them for greater glory GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Amidst the buzz surrounding his breakout season at United and the potential senior England call-up ahead of the Euros, Mainoo remains grounded, showcasing maturity beyond his years. According to thein a heartwarming gesture, the teenage midfielder surprised everyone by visiting an Under-8s training session on Monday after he was done with the recovery session following the victory at Luton.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Engaging with the young players for an hour, Mainoo shared his experiences of professional football and offered encouragement, leaving an indelible mark on the budding footballers. The pre-academy group also had the privilege of witnessing the first-team training session. As a token of appreciation, the players posed for photos with the youngsters and graciously signed autographs, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity within the club.

DID YOU KNOW?

Under the stewardship of manager Erik ten Hag, Mainoo has emerged as a regular starter this season, featuring in 15 appearances and making 13 starts. The stellar performances have caught the attention of England manager Gareth Southgate, who is reportedly contemplating including the 18-year-old sensation in the national squad for the upcoming fixtures against Brazil and Belgium.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

As Mainoo continues to flourish in his footballing journey, his humility, dedication, and talent serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for United's next generation of players. He will be next in action against Fulham on Saturday.