All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur will want a "fair whack" for Denmark international Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer if Atletico Madrid try to sign him due to his record in the Premier League, claims journalist Alasdair Gold.

Is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg leaving Tottenham this summer?

The transfer window has gone quite well for Spurs this summer. So far, they have improved their first XI with the signings of James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario, while also bolstering their squad depth with the acquisition of Manor Solomon.

That said, there is the ever-present threat that they could lose all-time leading goalscorer and club talisman Harry Kane, as Bayern Munich persist in their attempts to secure his signature.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

However, with Daniel Levy's stance that they want over £100m, a sale might not be as cataclysmic as some have suggested.

Meanwhile, another player that could be leaving N17 this summer is midfield stalwart Hojbjerg, who was brought to the club by Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese manager signed the Dane in the summer of 2020, but his three-year spell in Spurs colours could soon be coming to an end.

Spanish publication Marca (via BBC Sport) has reported that he is a potential target of Atletico Madrid should they be unable to sign Marco Verratti, who has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.

And with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Italian has now agreed terms to move to Saudi side Al-Hilal, the La Liga giants might well turn their attention to the Spurs man, who journalist Alasdair Gold expects will cost them a significant amount of money.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"Still intrigued to see how high Atletico Madrid will go for Hojbjerg in terms of the price, because I think Spurs will want a fair whack for him.

"I saw some reports suggesting that £20m had been rejected or something, but I would imagine you'd want more for Hojbjerg. He's an established Premier League midfielder, scores goals, gets assists, couple of years left on his contract – I think you could easily look for more than £20m.

"They may be looking at £30m, maybe £40m for him. And I know there's people that don't rate him, but I think if you're looking from the outside, he's an established Premier League player."

How good is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?

In an otherwise dismal season for the Lilywhites, aside from Kane, Hojbjerg was one of the few bright spots for fans to latch onto.

The Denmark international played in 35 of the side's league games, scoring four goals, providing five assists, maintaining a passing accuracy of 88.6% and averaging a brilliant rating of 7.02, per WhoScored.

His underlying numbers are just as impressive, suggesting that he could reach another level in a more structured system at Atletico.

According to FBref, which compares players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the 27-year-old "monster" sits in the top 8% for pass completion, the top 12% for attempted passes and the top 13% for clearances per 90.

The man who brought him to the club in the first place, Mourinho, was clearly a massive fan of his combative side, waxing lyrical about him back in 2020:

"Physically, he's very, very strong and technically, he's much better than people think. Because sometimes people think the guy that is good technically is the guy that does the backheel.

"The guy is so simple in everything he does with the ball. And I think he's a phenomenal player."

While Tottenham might be better off keeping him, if Gold is correct and they can make up to £40m from his sale, it could be too good of an opportunity to turn down.

Everton have been long-term linked with a move for Beto, and a new update has emerged regarding the player’s future ahead of a potential move in the summer.

What’s the latest on Everton’s interest in Beto?

According to Tutto Udinese (via Sport Witness), Udinese could now be willing to part ways with their striker in the summer.

As per the report, Beto has received a lot of interest from Premier League clubs, with Everton named as one of those who are following his performances closely.

It is claimed that Udinese will command up to €30m (£27m) and have already lined up a replacement should the 25-year-old leave in the coming months.

Beto is just what Dyche needs at Everton

There is no doubt that reinforcements are desperately needed in the forward line at Goodison Park following the exit of Richarlison (2021/22 top scorer) last summer and the departure of Anthony Gordon (second-highest scorer in 2022/23) in January, both of which have evidently weakened Everton’s forward line.

The Toffees have the worst goal tally (16) in the entire Premier League, which has left them fighting a relegation battle at the bottom of the table over their remaining 16 fixtures.

Therefore, if Sean Dyche can save Everton from dropping into the Championship, signing Beto could make a huge difference in the final third and duly improve their performances next season.

Across 52 appearances for Udinese, the 25-year-old has scored 18 goals and registered two assists, with a goal contribution every 178 minutes, and this season he continues to prove that he can be a real asset in front of goal.

Beto has scored seven goals, delivered one assist and created two big chances in 22 Serie A appearances, along with averaging 1.6 shots on goal and winning four duels per game.

The Portuguese predator has been the recipient of high praise for his impact at Udinese, with journalist Sam Tighe hailing Beto’s ability to “spook defenders” in an analysis of his presence on the pitch.

He stated: “The way Beto (Udinese) spooks defenders is amazing. Chuck a ball into the channel for him to chase and even if he doesn’t latch onto it, defenders panic under his pressure and end up making the craziest decisions or panicked clearances.”

A huge presence in the front three is just what Dyche needs in order for Everton to cause problems for opponents, and if the powerbrokers at Goodison Park can secure a deal for Beto, it could transform the Toffees’ hitherto blunt attacking threat.

Everton are now believed to have made an approach to complete the signing of a “world class” player who knows the Premier League well but has fallen out of favour at his current club.

A host of players continue to be mentioned as options for the Blues in the summer transfer window, including Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper. The 25-year-old Englishman started all 46 of the Blades’ Championship matches last season, helping them reach the playoff final, but defeat to Sunderland at Wembley ruined their chances of promotion, and he may like the idea of heading to the top flight.

Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is another player who could want to remain in the Premier League, following his side’s relegation to the second tier, and Everton have been backed to snap him up, amid their search for more quality in the middle of the park.

Meanwhile, Millwall forward Mihailo Ivanovic is another reported target for the Merseysiders, with the Serb potentially seen as a strong replacement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Just 20 years of age, he scored an impressive 12 goals in 23 Championship starts last term and could serve as the old fashioned number nine alongside the more elusive Thierno Barry.

Everton make approach for "world class" midfielder

According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport [via Goodison News], Everton have made an approach for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, seeing him as an excellent choice to bring in this summer. The Blues are said to have asked for information regarding the 27-year-old, but it is added that no offer has been tabled for him yet.

He joined Juventus for around £42m last summer but was once worth a much higher figure, with Neil Moxley even claiming “somebody’s just having a bit of a laugh” when he was quoted at £60m while thriving at Aston Villa, pointing to Declan Rice’s £105m move to Arsenal as a benchmark.

Indeed, albeit out of form and out of favour in Turin last season, Luiz is a player who has proven his worth at the highest level for many years now, having been such an influential performer for Villa, so he could be a brilliant signing for Everton.

The Brazilian has 175 appearances to his name in the Premier League, as well as 20 goals and 18 assists, with John McGinn heaping praise on his ability, describing him as “world class”, and Jermaine Pennant calling him better than Rice in the past.

“Any team would dream to have Rice, but there are better sixes in the Premier League at the moment. I would say Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa, I think he can do everything that Rice can do and better. I think he assists more, he chips in with goals more than Rice. Creativity-wise he’s better, flair is better, he can put in a tackle just like Rice, break up play just like Rice. So I think if someone said to me you can have Douglas Luiz for £60m or Declan Rice for £100m, easy every day of the week, Douglas Luiz.”

Everton now ready to pay £5m+ to sign new star with same agent as McNeil

The Toffees are ready to take advantage…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jul 7, 2025

Luiz is still in his prime, so this wouldn’t be a case of Everton splashing out on a player who has peaked, and his box-to-box style could be a great asset for David Moyes.

A new report claims that Everton's decision to terminate the contract of Jean-Philippe Gbamin could now set them back millions.

What's happening at Everton at the moment?

The Blues picked up their first Premier League point of the season on Saturday lunchtime, drawing 2-2 away to Sheffield United in an entertaining contest. While far from a perfect result, especially having taken the lead at Bramall Lane in the first half, there were still positives to take from the game, suggesting that further improvements will be made after the international break.

It has been a fairly good summer in the transfer market in terms of finally adding some attacking prowess, signing Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal and bringing in Beto permanently from Udinese, but there have also been concerns about allowing players to leave without proper replacements lined up.

Some current players also don't feel like they will cut the mustard under Sean Dyche, such as Demarai Gray, who has recently hinted at his displeasure at not playing enough currently, and another individual's time at Goodison Park has come to an end, following a new update.

What's the news on Jean-Philippe Gbamin?

According to Football Insider, Everton's decision to pay Gbamin off is going to be a huge hit to Farhad Moshiri's pocket:

"Everton have paid a high seven-figure sum to terminate the contract of Jean-Phillipe Gbamin, sources have told Football Insider. It was announced on deadline day last Friday by the Merseysiders that the club had agreed with the midfielder to terminate his contract with immediate effect.

"Gbamin, 27, had entered the final year of his contract at Everton, which ran until June 2024. The club had tried to sell him in the summer window but were unable to do so despite a cut-price asking fee of £5million.

"Everton eventually decided to cut their losses by paying off a big chunk of Gbamin’s contract, which was worth more than £100,000-a-week. It is believed that the final cost was, as one source said, a 'high seven-figure sum'."

Gbamin really has become something of a forgotten man for Everton, having joined from Mainz back in 2019, making just eight appearances in that time. He has been loaned out to both CSKA Moscow and Trabzonspor, showing that other Blues manager haven't rated him, and it makes complete sense to get rid of him.

It is pointless keeping unwanted players at Goodison, especially as it can potentially hamper the team spirit within the squad, so it is good to see the club acting fast and disposing of the 27-year-old. Of course, it is a financial hit, which isn't ideal for Moshiri, but sometimes it feels necessary.

Former Everton manager Rafa Benitez did once hail Gbamin for "training well" during their time together at the club, but that is about the highest praise he has received, which speaks volumes about his lack of impact in a Blues shirt.

The 17-time capped Ivory Coast international will certainly go down as a hugely disappointing signing by Everton, considering there were relatively high expectations of him when he arrived and he cost £25m, and it is important that similar errors are avoided when it comes to incomings moving forward.

After finishing the 2024/25 campaign on a high, Newcastle United approached the summer transfer window with excitement. But as is becoming habitual on Tyneside, there have been challenges and setbacks.

However, one of Eddie Howe’s superpowers is his ability to weather adversity and rally his club, and so in spite of missing out on Bryan Mbeumo and Joao Pedro and Mohammed Kudus and maybe Matheus Cunha too, the Magpies are beginning to take shape.

A deal with Nottingham Forest has been agreed for Anthony Elanga, worth £52m. A bid for Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford is also ongoing, and that one looks like it will end positively.

Alexander Isak, moreover, is set to remain at St. James’ Park. Even so, Howe wants a new centre-forward, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike confirmed to be on the radar.

However, it’s going to be a difficult deal to pull off, and an alternative option has been earmarked.

Newcastle chasing a new striker

Any interest in a centre-forward on Tyneside is laced with a measure of trepidation. Newcastle fans would love to see a new number nine welcomed to the fold, but not at the expense of Isak’s place in the team.

Luckily, PIF have no plans to sell their £200m-valued talisman. With Callum Wilson having departed St. James’ Park at the end of his contract, securing a new nine is a necessity, not a luxury.

Ekitike might be at the top of the shopping list right now, but he’s simply too expensive at £85m, a valuation Eintracht Frankfurt aren’t willing to budge on.

That’s why Newcastle are setting their sights on Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. According to Caught Offside, the Magpies have joined the growing list of clubs – also containing Arsenal and Manchester United – who are interested in the England star.

Naturally, Villa don’t want to sell, but they have priced the 29-year-old at £50m, and if Newcastle were to table such an offer, they might just find themselves in an interesting position.

Why Newcastle want Ollie Watkins

Consistently one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards over the past few years, Watkins would bring experience and dynamism to a Newcastle side in need of just his profile.

Principally a central striker, Watkins’ high-energy running and ability to play through the lines have seen him deployed on the left flank in Unai Emery’s Villan system. This is perfect for Howe, who likes to shuffle his offensive pack.

The 22-year-old Ekitike scored 22 goals and assisted 12 more across all competitions last season, but he’s still an uncut gem, only really having displayed the full extent of his quality across one campaign at the highest level.

Watkins, conversely, is proven across five years in ostensibly the toughest league in the world.

24/25

38 (31)

16

8

23/24

37 (37)

19

13

22/23

37 (36)

15

6

21/22

35 (33)

11

2

20/21

37 (37)

14

5

The Three Lions star has even been described by podcaster Rohan Jivan as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe”, with his completeness and experience at the highest level exactly what Newcastle need to one-up their previous campaign.

It’s not going to be easy, for sure, but the Toon are now shaping into one of the recognised big hitters in the Premier League, fixed at the top end of the table.

Ekitike is undoubtedly one of the biggest talents in the business, but given his extortionate pricing and indeed the chances that he might not immediately acclimatise to the English game, bagging Watkins to provide instantaneous results might be the best course of action for Howe’s ambitious plans.

Dream Scalvini alternative: Newcastle make approach for "dominant" £25m CB

Newcastle are looking to strengthen at the back this summer

1 ByJoe Nuttall Jul 9, 2025

Marcus Rashford's early career is a remarkable tale of a young football prodigy rising through the ranks of Manchester United and making an indelible mark on English football. Born on October 31, 1997, in Wythenshawe, England, Rashford joined Man United's youth academy at the tender age of seven. His exceptional talent quickly became evident as he progressed through the ranks.

Rashford made his senior debut for the Red Devils in February 2016, just days before his 18th birthday, when he was called up due to an injury crisis at the club. In that debut, he scored twice against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League, instantly announcing himself on the big stage.

The young striker's impressive performances continued, and he quickly became a key player for Manchester United. In his debut Premier League season (2015/2016), Rashford scored eight goals in 18 appearances in all competitions. He continued to flourish, setting numerous records along the way, including becoming the youngest player to score in his first Premier League Manchester Derby.

Rashford's early career also saw him break into the England national team, making his senior debut in May 2016. He has since become an integral part of the national squad, playing a crucial role in the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and Euro 2020.

With his explosive pace, technical prowess and ability to score crucial goals, Rashford's journey from a young academy prospect to a household name in English football is a testament to his immense talent and dedication to the sport.

Marcus Rashford at Manchester United

Rashford's career at Man United has been nothing short of a fairy tale, characterized by his meteoric rise from the club's youth academy to becoming one of the brightest stars in English football. Since his debut in 2016, Rashford has etched his name into the annals of the club's history with his skill, speed and knack for scoring crucial goals.

His journey at Manchester United began when he joined the club's youth academy at the age of seven. His exceptional talent soon caught the eye of the coaching staff, and he progressed rapidly through the ranks. His big moment arrived in February 2016 when an injury crisis forced then-manager Louis van Gaal to promote Rashford to the senior squad.

Rashford's debut was nothing short of sensational. He scored a brace against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League, and in his Premier League debut a few days later, he repeated the feat with two more goals against Arsenal. The striker's blistering start endeared him to the fans, and he went on to score crucial goals in the league, helping Manchester United secure a top-four finish.

Rashford's early success was no fluke. In his first full season (2016/2017), he scored 11 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions. His versatility allowed him to play across the front line, and his pace and dribbling skills made him a constant threat to opposition defenders.

As a result of his early success Rashford's career at Man United is studded with records and milestones, including being the youngest player to score for the club in a European competition and the youngest player to score for Man United in a Manchester Derby.

At the age of just 23, in his fourth full season for Man United, Rashford scored his 100th goal for the club.

Beyond his on-field exploits, Marcus Rashford has become a symbol of social responsibility. His advocacy for child poverty and food insecurity issues in the UK has made him a beloved figure both within and outside the football world. Rashford's successful campaign to extend free school meals for disadvantaged children during the COVID-19 pandemic earned him widespread praise and recognition.

Despite his remarkable career, Rashford has faced his share of setbacks, including injuries that sidelined him at various points. However, he has always shown resilience and determination, returning stronger each time to continue making an impact for the Red Devils.

By the end of the 2022/2023 season, Rashford record for Man United stood at 124 goals in 363 first-team appearances. It is the 2022/2023 season that is so far the most successful of Rashford's career, having scored 30 goals in 56 appearances in all competitions.

Rashford's Honours at Manchester United

FA Cup (1)

2015/2016

EFL Cup (2)

2016/2017, 2022/2023

FA Community Shield (1)

2016

UEFA Europa League (1)

2016/2017

Marcus Rashford with England

Marcus Rashford's career with England has been marked by his electrifying pace, clinical finishing and his ability to deliver on the biggest international stages. Since making his senior debut in 2016, Rashford has become an integral part of the Three Lions' setup, contributing significantly to England's campaigns in various tournaments.

His senior international debut for England arrived on May 27, 2016, in a friendly match against Australia. His impressive club performances had earned him a call-up to the national team, making him the youngest English player to debut at the age of 18 years and 209 days.

Rashford has represented England in major international tournaments, including the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2020. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he played a key role in England's run to the semi-finals, scoring a vital goal against Tunisia in the group stage. His pace and dynamism added a new dimension to England's attack.

During Euro 2020, Rashford continued to be a valuable asset. Although England narrowly missed out on winning the tournament, Rashford played a crucial role, helping the team reach the final, where they were runners-up to Italy.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Rashford scored three goals but also set a handful of records in the process. His goal after just 49 seconds of coming on as a substitute against Iran became the fastest-ever goal by a substitute in World Cup history, while he was also the scorer of England's 100th goal in all World Cups. Additionally, he became only the second-ever Man United player to score three or more goals at a single World Cup, after Bobby Charlton.

To date, Rashford's England record stands at 16 goals in 53 appearances.

Marcus Rashford's Personal Accolades & Records

Marcus Rashford's remarkable career has been adorned with numerous personal records and prestigious awards.

Key milestones include his debut in February 2016, where he scored twice against FC Midtjylland, becoming the youngest Englishman to score in his first European competition appearance. His first Premier League goals against Arsenal a few days later further cemented his rising star status.

Rashford's consistency led to the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award for Manchester United in 2016. He continued to shine, setting records like being the youngest player to score in a Manchester Derby.

Internationally, Rashford has been an England regular, representing the Three Lions in major tournaments like the 2018 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2020.

Beyond the field, Rashford's advocacy for child poverty issues earned him the Pride of Britain Award and an MBE. These accolades not only showcase his footballing prowess but also his impact on society, making him a true role model and inspirational figure.

Rashford's Personal Honours

Manchester United Young Player of the Year (1)

2015/2016

PFA Premier League Fans' Player of the Year (1)

2022/2023

PFA Community Champion Award (1)

2019/2020

Premier League Academy Graduate of the Year (1)

2019/2020

UEFA Europa League Team of the Season (2)

2019/2020, 2022/2023

UEFA Europa League Top Scorer (1)

2022/2023

Manchester United Goal of the Season (1)

2019/2020

Manchester United Players' Player of the Year (1)

2022/2023

Manchester United Player of the Year (1)

2022/2023

Aside from Celtic losing treble-winning coach, Ange Postecoglou, arguably the biggest setback of the summer so far for the Parkhead outfit was the departure of wing wizard, Jota, with the Portuguese gem having sealed a £25m move to Saudi Arabian side, Al Ittihad.

Despite being able to rake in a handsome profit on the 24-year-old – having signed him on a permanent deal for roughly £6.4m the year prior – that exit has left the Hoops without a player that was crucial to their domestic dominance under Postecolgou over the last two seasons.

Having initially snapped up the Lisbon native from Benfica on a season-long loan deal in the summer of 2021, the fleet-footed ace went on to score 13 goals and provide 14 assists in all competitions during his debut season in Glasgow, before adding a further 27 goal involvements last season.

With an overall tally of 54 goals and assists in just 83 games for the Old Firm giants in total, it is fair to say that Jota certainly made his mark at the club, hence the need to find a suitable replacement for the forthcoming campaign.

Who could replace Jota at Celtic?

Rodgers and co have, of course, already strengthened their attack with the signings of Marco Tilio and Hyunjun Yang, although further forward additions could be in store, amid prior reports that the Bhoys have also shown an interest in another South Korean sensation – Ji-sung Eom.

As per the Daily Record, Celtic are said to have been scouting the 21-year-old Gwangju starlet of late, albeit with his current side seemingly adamant that they will not sell the emerging sensation before the end of the K League 1 season later this year.

As the piece also notes, however, the Hoops could strike a deal that would see Eom spend the next six months on loan back at his current club, before eventually making the move to Scotland in the New Year.

Either way, if Rodgers can strike a deal for the 5 foot 10 dynamo in the near future, it could allow Celtic to forget all about that man Jota, such is the Korean's undoubted potential.

Who is Ji-sung Eom?

As stated above, trying to fill the void left behind by Jota will be no small feat, although, in Eom, the Scottish champions could potentially find a worthy candidate, following the wide man's impact in his homeland in recent times.

Such is the young forward's quality, he has even been dubbed "one of the most exciting young talents in Korean football" by journalist Jason Lee, having scored 15 goals and provided four assists in 80 games in all competitions for Gwangju.

While not quite at the same level as Jota's return for Celtic, Eom has been in fine form in the current campaign with two goals and two assists in just 15 league outings, having made a smooth transition to life in the top tier – after bagging nine goals in 28 K League 2 games last year.

A player who typically operates on the left wing, like Jota, the South Korean U22 international also mirrors the Al Ittihad ace with regard to his defensive output, having averaged 1.7 tackles and interceptions per game last season, while Jota averaged 1.6 in that regard in 2022/23.

Also described as a truly "underrated" talent – in the words of scout Ali Can Kutlu – Eom has the potential to explode over the coming years, with the hope being that his development can continue under the watchful eye of Rodgers.

Losing Jota is undoubtedly a source of real frustration, although the former Celtic Park hero could be quickly forgotten about if a new figure steps up to take his place on the flanks.

Replacing Harry Kane will not be an easy task at Tottenham Hotspur, but the North London club are willing to break their transfer record in an attempt to do just that, according to reports.

Spurs have been left without a talisman as the Premier League season gets underway.

What's the latest Tottenham Hotspur transfer news?

So far this summer, Ange Postecoglou has welcomed six fresh faces, with James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario, Alejo Veliz, Manor Solomon, and Ashley Phillips all walking through the door. And, now, according to Football Insider, Spurs, and by extension chairman Daniel Levy, are ready to break their transfer record to sign an A-list replacement for Kane this summer.

Their club record currently sits at a reported £63m, which went on Tanguy Ndombele, who has since had a mixed spell, with loan moves elsewhere attempting to get his career back on track.

After welcoming a number of players, Spurs would have been ready to get themselves back into Europe in the coming season. Kane's exit to Bayern Munich appears to have somewhat halted those plans, however.

Losing their talisman has left them short in the forward department, and, such is Kane's talent, they could now suffer the consquences of departures in the summer transfer window.

As things stand, it will likely be Richarlison who takes up the striker role, with the Brazilian handed the chance to claim a crucial role in Postecoglou's first season in charge.

With time remaining in the transfer window, Spurs could yet find themselves an adequate replacement for Kane this summer. And that could come in the form of Gift Orban, who reportedly dreams of playing in the Premier League.

Ben Jacobs told Team Talk:

“Gift Orban has said that his dream is to eventually play in the Premier League.

“Of course, he only joined Gent in January, which makes a summer move relatively unlikely, although because of Gent playing in Belgium, there is a realistic chance that a top European club might just be able to put in an offer that’s too good to turn down.

“But at the moment, we have to bear in mind that Gift Orban is only 20 years of age and still developing, and is very happy at Gent. So he’s not desperately trying to force his way out come summer, and therefore that type of transfer barring a very healthy offer, and maybe even a Premier League club taking a risk, because he’s so early in his development, might be more one to watch in 2024."

Should Spurs sign Gift Orban?

Orban wouldn't exactly be a bad piece of business for Spurs, who need to replace Kane's output for years to come, rather than finding a short-term solution.

The KAA Gent forward scored 20 goals in just 22 appearances last season and is still just 21-years-old. Of course, at such an age, Orban may take time to settle in the Premier League, but those numbers suggest that it is more than worthwhile in the long run.

It remains to be seen whether the player is among Spurs' options, however, as they look to replace Kane before it's too late in the summer transfer window, with the transfer deadline fast approaching.

Last week, Chelsea confirmed the signing of midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Stade Rennais for £23.2m (€27m).

Upon his arrival, the Blues co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “We're delighted Lesley is joining Chelsea. He is an impressive young player who has already made his mark in Ligue 1.

"He has a huge amount of potential and we know he is going to continue to develop and improve."

However, it has been revealed by the Evening Standard that Chelsea are considering loaning Ugochukwu to Strasbourg, where his development under the tutelage of Patrick Vieira is a frightening prospect.

Who is Lesley Ugochukwu?

The 19-year-old has been in the Rennes youth system since 2012 and made his senior debut just after his 17th birthday, becoming the club’s fourth-youngest debutant at the time.

Read the latest Chelsea transfer news HERE…

Since then, he has amassed 60 appearances for the first team and is preparing to forge the next step of his glittering at Stamford Bridge.

How good is Lesley Ugochukwu?

The Frenchman had always stated that it has been his “dream” to play in English football and now with a pathway to the Chelsea team, via a possible loan with Strasbourg under his hero Vieira, he has a clear aim to ruthlessly work towards.

A Premier League scout from a top-six club described the youngster as someone whose potential "is very high”, whilst his “athletic presence” has led to comparisons with the Arsenal legend.

Standing at 6 foot 3, Ugochukwu occupies a domineering and physical presence, which has ramped up his similarity to Vieira.

This has been recognised by the prodigy himself, who added:

“It’s an advantage being tall and powerful. People like Vieira inspire me a lot because of what he did for Arsenal. It’s something that I want to do during my career, to live like that and for people to say, ‘Lesley was that kind of player’.”

The teenager bestows this monumental reputation with supreme defensive solidity on the pitch. Over the past 365 days, when compared against his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, Ugochukwu ranks within the top 27% for tackles and interceptions per 90, as well as the best 12% for blocks per 90.

Moreover, across 26 Ligue 1 outings this term, the recent Chelsea recruit managed 88% pass accuracy, completed 70% of his dribbles, won 70% of his aerial duels, and didn’t make any errors leading to a shot or goal.

The engine has only started 18 league games and remains very much in the infancy of his career. Having another year to develop in his homeland is an intelligent move and as the 2021 Champions League winners look to reap the rewards of their multi-club project.

With the added bonus of being managed by the retired 107-cap international, Ugochukwu can potentially flourish into a tremendously accomplished and tenacious midfield pivot, mirroring the unassailable excellence of Vieira’s glittering career.

The 6 foot 4 mountain is one of the Premier League's most imposing and influential pivots, who anchored the record-breaking invincible season in 2004. With endless experience and a fountain of expertise that he can supply to Ugochukwu, it really is the perfect scenario for all parties.

Next year, Ugochukwu could give Mauricio Pochettino a serious selection headache if he continues on this stunning trajectory.

With the summer transfer window approaching the final days, West Ham United could yet welcome more reinforcements, having already welcomed James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez.

The Hammers still have some remaining budget left from the reported £105m sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal, however, and that could see them enjoy a busy end to the window.

Among their targets is KRC Genk midfielder Mike Tresor, according to reports.

What's the latest on Mike Tresor to West Ham?

As per journalist Sacha Taviolieri, the London club have made contact with Tresor over a potential summer switch.

This follows the news that Hammers midfielder Lucas Paqueta is under investigation for off-field breaches, which put an end to any potential move to Manchester City.

Taviolieri reported that West Ham must settle the Paqueta situation before they move ahead with any potential deal for Tresor. They are, however, reportedly keen on making their move next week, starting with contacting Genk.

If they are to make their move, the Premier League side will have to do it sooner rather than later, of course, given that the transfer window closes in just over a week. It's certainly a move to keep an eye on, though.

Should West Ham sign Mike Tresor?

Described as the Belgium Pro League's best player of the 2022/2023 season, everything suggests that West Ham would be signing some player if they pushed ahead with their pursuit of Tresor before the window shuts.

At just 24 years of age, too, the attacking midfielder, who can also play out wide, could soon be entering his prime, so may get better with a move to somewhere as competitive as the Premier League.

At his best, Tresor has attracted plenty of praise, too, including from Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, who said, after pointing out the midfielder's numbers last season.

"Crazy numbers. Absolutely sensational season for the 23-year-old Genk attacking midfielder."

The numbers that Kulig was talking about, of course, come from last season, when Tresor scored eight goals, made a sensational 22 assists, created 19 big chances, with three key chances per 90, and a goal involvement every 99 minutes in a total of 35 games played.

Looking at the statistics, Kulig was more than correct with his verdict of the 24-year-old. If West Ham are to lose Paqueta this season, too, whether that be through a move away or other circumstances, given his possible alleged breaches, then welcoming a player of Tresor's calibre seems like a must.

Paqueta made 155 progressive passes for the Hammers last season, and replacing that output at the London Stadium will be no easy task for David Moyes. Tresor more than proved his ability to create last season, however, with his 22 assists an incredible number in the Belgium Pro League.

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As West Ham look to avoid another relegation scrap in the current campaign, then welcoming further reinforcements is imperative. As things stand, Ward-Prowse and Alvarez may not be enough to help Moyes and co reach their target in the coming year.

As the window nears its end, the Hammers will certainly be an interesting side to keep an eye on.