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Writing on his Patreon, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has shared news on head of recruitment Rob Newman as he makes a ‘positive’ move behind-the-scenes at West Ham.

The Lowdown: Newman era begins…

At the beginning of October, West Ham announced a new era for the club in terms of transfers with former chief Manchester City scout Rob Newman taking on their head of recruitment role (whufc.com).

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The 57-year-old, credited with playing a part in some marquee City transfers, like the signing of defender Aymeric Laporte (The Athletic), has been tasked to help manager David Moyes bring in both senior additions and top talent for the future.

As such, Newman is beginning to re-shape the scouting department in his own image behind-the-scenes as club source and insider ExWHUemployee shares what he’s just done.

The Latest: Newman makes ‘positive’ move…

Taking to Patreon, Ex has revealed that the West Ham chief is expanding his scouting team and has just taken on former Premier League forward Grant Holt – who is set to leave his similar scouting role at Norwich City.

Describing this as a ‘positive move for the club’ after concerns surrounding their lack of scout staff, the insider also claims that Newman is set for ‘other appointments’ in this regard which are ‘expected to be announced soon’.

The Verdict: Making his mark…

As Newman makes his mark at Rush Green in a scouting staff overhaul, we believe West Ham fans should certainly be encouraged by this development.

The ex-Man City employee’s wealth of experience at Eastlands, working alongside well-known City officials like their current sporting director Txiki Begiristain (The Athletic), indicates he has the right knowledge to transform West Ham’s scouting department in a major boost for the club.

Newman has also been described as hard-working and active with a bulging contacts book by those within City (The Athletic), as well as popular among the scouts and a real people person (The Athletic).

The fact he is now making his mark behind the scenes should certainly come as amazing news and the club may have pulled off an off-field coup with his appointment.

In other news: Journalist hints West Ham may be in pole position to sign ‘world class’ striker for Moyes, find out more here.

Celtic face a real battle to land Zinedine Ferhat with Trabzonspor ‘on a mission’ to win the race, according to Foot Mercato. 

The lowdown

The French publication originally reported on New Year’s Eve that Nimes Olympique star Ferhat was on The Hoops’ radar.

The 28-year-old, who’s predominantly a right winger but can also play in a central attacking midfield role, is out of contract at the end of the current season.

He’s valued at £4.05million by Transfermarkt, but it’s worth noting that he’s also free to strike a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club ahead of the summer.

The latest

Ferhat has been ‘ardently courted’ by Celtic as well as Ligue 1 outfits Montpellier and Saint-Etienne, but there’s now a chance he ends up in Turkey, according to the French outlet.

Trabzonspor sources have indicated that Ferhat is a ‘priority recruit’, with ‘significant financial resources’ available for the pursuit.

They’re determined to secure his signature and could initiate talks ‘in the coming days’.

The verdict

Celtic should make a big push to see off Trabzonspor – Zerhat’s 2020/21 season was hugely impressive, as he combined six goals with ten assists for a side that finished down in 19th and suffered relegation.

Only Lyon’s Memphis Depay, who subsequently joined FC Barcelona, set up more goals in the French top flight last term.

Celtic started the January window strongly but the tide seems to be turning. They lost out to Middlesbrough after holding talks with Riley McGree and now Blackburn-bound Dilan Markanday seems to evaded them.

Ange Postecoglou may be frustrated if another target moves elsewhere.

In other news, Frank McAvennie thinks this summer signing could leave.

Gini Wijnaldum reportedly still has his heart set on a move to Barcelona this summer, with the lure of playing alongside Lionel Messi too great to resist.

The 30-year-old’s Liverpool future has been one of the key talking points this season, with his contract expiring at the end of the campaign. Barcelona have been continually linked with a move for Wijnaldum and a fresh report now claims that a move to Spain looks increasingly on the cards.

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Wijnaldum wants Liverpool exit

According to The Mirror, the Dutchman is planning on joining the La Liga giants, allowing him to play with Messi and international colleague Memphis Depay.

It is claimed that Wijnaldum ‘has told friends’ in his homeland that he sees his future at Barca, seemingly suggesting that his Liverpool career is nearing its conclusion.

Transfer Tavern take

While it will be sad to see Wijnaldum leave the Reds, now may be the right time for him to move on, suiting all parties.

He turns 31 later this year, so his best years could arguably be behind him, and there is a feeling that Liverpool’s midfield needs freshening up despite his ‘incredible’ influence over the years. He has racked up 230 appearances in five seasons, meaning there is a lot of football in his legs.

Whatever happens from here, Wijnaldum deserves to go down as a true Reds hero, especially after a crucial goal against Middlesbrough on the dramatic final day of the 2016/17 Premier League season and scoring twice against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final second leg two years later.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting in delighted fashion to new footage that has emerged. Read more here.

New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will have a £200m budget this summer and has already got to work to create a four-man transfer shortlist.

The Lowdown: Ten Hag announced

The Red Devils finally announced the Dutchman as their new manager on Thursday morning.

Ten Hag was confirmed as Ralf Rangnick’s replacement from the end of this season, signing a deal through to June 2025 with an option of a further year.

The 52-year-old previously demanded to be 100% involved when it comes to new signings, and he has wasted no time by already having four possible marquee additions in mind.

The Latest: Four mega targets

The Mirror shared a story regarding Ten Hag and Manchester United shortly after the announcement, claiming the Red Devils will give their new manager £200m to spend ahead of his first season in charge.

Up to 12 players could leave the club, with Ten Hag placing Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Darwin Nunez and Ruben Neves at the top of his wishlist.

The Verdict: Rebuild begins

Plenty of change is needed at Old Trafford ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, but getting Ten Hag confirmed prior to the summer window is a good first step.

He’ll have a huge job on his hands in what looks set to be an extremely busy summer off the pitch and it looks as if a new midfielder and forward is crucial as he gets to work already.

Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani look set to be two players who will leave as free agents, so one of Kane or Nunez and Rice or Neves could be shrewd moves to replace the two outgoing big earners.

In other news: ‘Source has told Sky Sports’ – Big live TV update on another Man Utd exit. 

Plenty of Aston Villa fans hit out at winger Anwar El Ghazi on social media following the club’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle United on Friday evening.

Dean Smith made one change to the side that drew with Wolves last time out, with youngster Jacob Ramsey replacing January signing Morgan Sanson in midfield.

The visitors were forced into an early change, though, after Bertrand Traore was forced off injured, bringing El Ghazi into the action.

Villa looked to have snatched all three points late on following Ciaran Clark’s own goal, however, with just seconds remaining in injury time, the Dutch winger gave the ball away, which led to Jamaal Lascelles heading home.

The result leaves Smith’s side in ninth place, with Lascelles’ dramatic equaliser preventing Villa going above Premier League champions Liverpool.

El Ghazi recorded a WhoScored match rating of 6.22/10 – the third worst score out of all 14 Villa players to feature. He had more shots than anyone on the field at St James’ Park (6), but only two managed to hit the target.

Villa fans slam El Ghazi

“El Ghazi should be embarrassed with his display tonight. We deserved absolutely nothing from that game”

Credit: @seeley_george3

“El Ghazi has absolutely 0 footballing ability, all he can do is shoot.”

Credit: @DomQ18

“Trez lacks quality and El Ghazi is so greedy.”

Credit: @AVFCFaithful_

“El Ghazi is a complete waste of time. Lost the ball THREE times in injury time, allowing the ball to be put back in the box.”

Credit: @FroggattSimon

“Stop playing El Ghazi”

Credit: @MattBedfordd

“El Ghazi forever scared of the ball”

Credit: @10grealishh

In other news: Many AVFC fans have been buzzing after a report on Wes Edens resurfaced, find out more here.

A number of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to the club’s official Twitter post to left-back Patrick van Aanholt.

The 30-year-old has just a number of weeks remaining on his Palace deal and was actually included in the Eagles’ initial released list which came out earlier this month.

Reports have suggested he won’t be offered new terms and will leave Selhurst Park when his contract expires.

Van Aanholt is currently away with the Netherlands at Euro 2020 and started under former Palace manager Frank de Boer in a 3-2 win over Ukraine.

He played just over an hour of the Group C fixture but was branded a ‘poor defender’ by Gary Neville after getting on the wrong side of Andriy Yarmolenko in the first half.

Palace tweeted a recap regarding their internationals on Monday morning, leading with van Aanholt’s involvement in the Netherlands’ weekend victory.

Palace fans react

It’s safe to say their post didn’t go down too well, though, with a selection of responses available to view below.

“Icl I don’t think I can forgive u guys for this summer so far”Credit: @SellyMenace”No no he’s done here thanks”Credit: @HenryKerrG”dear me……”Credit: @TimHardingham”He was awful, Gary Neville called him a terrible defender!”Credit: @BLCBOB”Have a look at Holland’s manager. I think he’d suit us well”Credit: @joelcpfc_”He still our player?”Credit: @SWPalace

In other news: ‘This is massive’, ‘Great appointment’ – Many CPFC fans erupt as ‘fantastic’ news comes to light, find out more here. 

Leicester City are set to complete the signing of RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka in the coming days.

What’s the story?

According to well-respected journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Foxes have had an official proposal accepted for the 22-year-old and will announce his arrival next week.

Daka had been linked to several top European teams after an impressive 2020/21 campaign with the Austrian champions, but it seems as though Leicester have won the race to secure his signature.

Fans will be buzzing

The Zambia international bagged an incredible 34 goals in 42 appearances for Salzburg last season, adding a further 12 assists as Jesse Marsch’s men secured a domestic double.

His arrival will add significant strength in depth to Brendan Rodgers’ first-team squad as the former Celtic and Liverpool boss aims to build a side capable of fighting on multiple fronts.

While Jamie Vardy has been crucial to Leicester’s past success, the 34-year-old is starting to look his age and suffered a significant drop-off in form towards the backend of the recently concluded campaign – he scored just four goals in his last 16 Premier League games after coming back from a groin injury.

Therefore, the arrival of Daka will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing. He’s a forward known for his electric pace, willingness to make clever runs in behind the opposition, and smart finishing, making him the perfect heir to Vardy.

The Midlands outfit have continually punched above their weight in recent years, largely thanks to smart work in the transfer market.

Young stars have been bought for relatively low prices, before being sold for astronomical profits, and then the proceeds are reinvested to start the process all over again.

Daka could well turn out to be the most exciting purchase of them all, though. He has the potential to play for football’s biggest clubs and compete for the sports major prizes, so securing his services will be seen as a significant coup by Leicester.

Rodgers will be aiming to bring Champions League football back to the King Power Stadium next term, and the addition of Daka may just be enough to earn the current FA Cup holders a place at Europe’s top table.

And, in other news…Rodgers can save millions by unleashing “incredible” rarely-seen Leicester colossus 

Danny Mills believes that Ryan Kent’s future at Glasgow Rangers depends on whether the Ibrox outfit qualify for the Champions League group stages.

Mills makes Kent claim

Kent was heavily linked with a move to Leeds United last summer, with the Whites even having a £10m bid for the 24-year-old rejected (rte.ie).

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills believes that the Premier League outfit could make another move for the winger, but says that he will stay at Ibrox if the Gers get through the Champions League qualifying rounds. When asked if Leeds would make a move for Kent if Helder Costa departs, the ex-England defener said:

“Yes, I would think so.

“But the pull of Champions League may be too much.

“That will all depend on Rangers going through qualifying, if they can get through the qualification process then suddenly it changes things again for them.

“Players will go ‘Hang on a minute, I want to test myself. I want to play against the best and give it a real good go.’ And the financial impact [for the club].

“Players want to play against the best and if you play well in the Champions League your fee and value goes up massively.

“It’s something I would suggest will depend on what happens to Rangers in the Champions League.”

Big draw

At some point, it will be hard for £7.2m-valued Kent (Transfermarkt) to resist the temptation of the English top flight. With more money on offer and greater competition, it is a bigger draw than the Scottish Premiership, of that there is little doubt. However, this summer the Gers could well be able to offer enough advantages to keep him at the club.

As Mills has hinted, the Champions League is the obvious one. With all due respect to Leeds, it is likely to be years before they even have a chance of reaching that competition. Rangers, meanwhile, would need to get through just a couple of two-legged rounds to make the groups.

Should they prevail, there is no reason for Kent to depart just yet, and his stock should only rise if he gets to perform in Europe’s premier club competition.

In other news, Rangers eye this defender as Filip Helander is linked with an exit.

If football was played on the tea-stained piece of paper sitting on your desk, then last night’s game between Everton and Sheffield United will have been a foregone conclusion.

It will have resulted in the home side coming away with all three points, presumably from a couple of clinically taken Dominic Calvert-Lewin goals.

However, this is the Premier League, a division that so often captivates and lures us in even when there’s nothing to play for.

The Blades may be sitting rock bottom of the top-flight and already relegated but that didn’t stop Paul Heckingbottom’s men from putting up a spirited fight.

Courtesy of 17-year-old Daniel Jebbison, Sheffield United managed to beat the Toffees 1-0.

It was a disastrous and embarrassing result for Carlo Ancelotti, one that’s seen his team lose vital ground in the race for European football next season.

Mason Holgate was again at fault during the game and left his manager raging as he dragged him off at half time. Though, another player who will have the manager cursing his team is Richarlison.

On his day, the Brazilian is an effervescent character, someone who can change the game in an instant with a piece of trickery. However, those moments have been few and far between for the spritely attacker of late.

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Richarlison now hasn’t scored since 4th March, nor has he assisted a goal since 5th December.

His creativity and instinct inside the area has completely deserted him and he’s now running down blind alleys.

His performance at Goodison on Sunday was a concern. Even against the third-worst defence in the league he looked toothless, spurning a glorious opportunity to score late inside the opening period.

James Rodriguez played the ball in but the forward’s header was straight at Aaron Ramsdale, a goalkeeper who made six saves during one of his best days of the season.

Richarlison was fortunate to last the 90 minutes given his performance. He made just 15 passes and lost the ball every 3.5 touches.

He lost 60% of his defensive duels, played just one key pass and didn’t complete a single dribble either.

For a player with so much flair in his locker, this was a particularly disappointing night.

So often one of the most vibrant players in this Everton squad, Ancelotti can only carry him so far. At the moment Richarlison is fortunate they have a lack of depth in attack.

Ahead of the summer window he needs to improve or be wary of finally being replaced in the starting XI.

AND in other news, Everton could find their very own TAA by signing £3.5k-p/w gem with “enormous ability”…

Dean Windass feels Callum Hudson-Odoi will pay the price after failing to secure a deadline day switch to Leicester City.

The Foxes enquired about the availability of the Chelsea winger as Brendan Rodgers looked to strengthen his squad hours before the transfer window closed.

German giants Borussia Dortmund were also hoping to complete a loan deal, with Hudson-Odoi open to going elsewhere in search of regular minutes, but he has remained at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea were unwilling to sanction a switch.

It comes despite the 20-year-old failing to make a single Premier League appearance so far this season.

Hudson-Odoi’s only involvement this term has come in the form of starting the UEFA Super Cup clash with Spanish side Villarreal, which the Blues won following a nail-biting penalty shoot-out last month.

With Hudson-Odoi’s first-team opportunities seemingly limited, former Premier League striker Windass believes Leicester would have been the ideal destination for the exciting winger to rediscover his best form.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “He needs to play and, as a young boy, he can’t just sit on the Chelsea bench. He isn’t going to play or get minutes.

“He needed to go out and play and Brendan would have looked after him.

“He would have played for a top club in Europe and been a great signing for Leicester. I like him and think he is a strong boy.”