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David Moyes has received an encouraging squad boost at West Ham this week…

What’s been said?

Irons forward Michail Antonio, who is currently the Premier League’s third leading talisman, has withdrawn from international duty with Jamaica due to logistical problems, as revealed by co-owner David Gold on Twitter.

“MICHAIL ANTONIO has pulled out of the Jamaica squad for three qualifiers due to logistical problems. The news will be a welcome boost for boss David Moyes, who has concerns about the effect of travelling across the Atlantic would have on Michail who has been plagued by injury,” he revealed.

Moyes boost

Given the 31-year-old’s history with injuries, this news will undoubtedly leave Moyes delighted, even if his star striker is a little gutted to not feature for his national side.

Antonio has not started more than 24 of 38 league games in any of the last four Premier League seasons, and that’s largely down to constant injuries – for example, he missed 13 matches last season from a variety of problems and issues.

His importance to the Hammers is undeniable. The 5 foot 11 beast has scored five and assisted three in the English top-flight this campaign, adding to his ten goals and five assists from last season.

The former Nottingham Forest ace has already missed one game this term, though that wasn’t through injury, after he picked up a suspension and he was sorely missed as West Ham were defeated by Manchester United.

Antonio is above and beyond the standout performer under Moyes, earning a 7.84 average rating on WhoScored, which is way clear of the next best, who is Said Benrahma (7.43).

No Irons player is managing more shots (4.5) or key passes (2.5) than the Jamaican star after seven matches, further highlighting his importance.

Therefore, to have him around Rush Green this week, and not on the other side of the world is a massive, massive boost to Moyes and West Ham.

He will no longer be at risk of injury away from the club, nor will he have to quarantine, meaning he will be available for their first game back next week, a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton.

AND in other news, West Ham handed January transfer boost, Newman could seal instant masterclass…

Noel Whelan has been left lauding the news that Glen Kamara has been offered a new deal at Glasgow Rangers.

The Lowdown: New deal offered

As per The Athletic, Kamara is edging closer to signing a new contract at Ibrox that will keep him there for the long-term.

Leeds United have reportedly been linked with a move to sign the Finland international before the summer transfer window closes, and so Steven Gerrard would ideally like his future sorted out sooner rather than later.

The Latest: Whelan on contract offer

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, who is now a pundit after a stellar career playing for the likes of Leeds United and Coventry City, has lauded the contract offer given to Kamara, as he feels that it is very important that the Gers keep him come the end of the window:

“It’s great news for Rangers if he signs a new deal.

“For Rangers, this summer was always going to be about keeping their best players and keeping their internationals and there’s no doubt about it, Kamara is one of them.

“He’s been vitally important to their recent success. I’d say he was one of their top five players last year.

“Gerrard will not want to lose any of his squad. It is about strengthening in some positions and keeping that core group, who have worked so hard under Gerrard, together so they can keep the Scottish Premiership title at Ibrox.”

The Verdict: Great news

As Whelan rightfully points out, it would be great news for Rangers if Kamara ends up signing the new deal.

Described as a ‘magnificent’ player by Gerrard back in December, the central midfielder was a key player in the Gers’ Scottish Premiership title triumph in the 2020/21 season, playing in a total of 28 games, scoring one goal and making one assist (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, if the Light Blues want to kick on again, then they need to keep a hold of their best players, and Kamara is certainly one of them.

In other news, find out what will be a ‘disaster’ for Rangers here!

Everton have received a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the story?

The Toffees have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old for several months after their efforts to sign him over the summer ended in disappointment.

But now, according to Spanish outlet Sport (as relayed by the Liverpool ECHO), Everton’s chances of finally securing Van de Beek’s signature have increased.

Previously reports have suggested that La Liga giants Barcelona were set to compete for the creative talent’s services over the coming months.

However, it’s now believed that new manager Xavi has turned down the chance to sign Van de Beek, providing the Blues with a transfer boost as the winter window fast approaches.

Imagine him and Abdoulaye Doucoure

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s recent sacking as United manager may also have some bearing on the Dutch international’s future, but after making just four Premier League starts in 18 months, he’s likely to be desperate for regular game time.

And that’s something that Rafa Benitez could offer Van de Beek at Everton. Ever since James Rodriguez departed back in September, the Blues have lacked the guile and imagination needed to carve top-flight defences apart.

In their last six Premier League fixtures, the Blues have only found the back of the net on four occasions, highlighting the need for someone capable of succeeding Rodriguez’s role in the team.

During his time at boyhood club Ajax, Van de Beek illustrated his ability to do just that, providing a whopping 75 goal contributions in just 175 appearances, securing a domestic double back in 2018/19.

Despite his limited opportunities at Old Trafford, the midfield maestro has showcased his true potential in promising flashes, with Juan Mata even dubbing him “very clever.”

Therefore, a move to Merseyside could be beneficial to all parties, and the prospect of Van de Beek linking up with Abdoulaye Doucoure in Everton’s engine room is a mouth-watering one.

The duo would offer the perfect blend of tactical intelligence, creativity, power and defensive contribution, potentially providing the spark for Benitez’s charges to surge up the table.

And, in other news…Huge boost: Everton receive potential injury lift pre-Brentford, Rafa will be buzzing

A positive update for Rangers has emerged on the make up of their backroom staff and the possibility of a new face joining Gio van Bronckhorst at Ibrox to help lead the Gers to glory again…

What’s the talk?

According to the Scottish Sun, who quote Chinese media, Guangzhou City are on the verge of going bust and that could allow the Dutchman to join the Scottish giants for free.

The report claims that Chinese authorities could step in and take the club apart after three months without being able to pay their wage bill, which would then leave van Gastel unattached and able to arrive at Rangers with no stumbling blocks.

Delight

This appears to be a big boost for van Bronckhorst and the update will surely leave Rangers fans feeling delighted as the Dutchman’s backroom staff begins to take shape. It was previously reported that the club may have to wait until January to bring him in, which means that this could save them five weeks of waiting to land him.

Five weeks is a long time in football and could see him miss 10 competitive matches for Rangers if he is unable to make the switch until the start of 2022. This is why the prospect of him leaving China for nothing in the coming days could be a seismic boost, as he could come in and have an impact in the coming matches by joining as van Bronckhorst’s assistant.

The pair worked side-by-side at Feyenoord in the Netherlands. In four years, they won five trophies together for the Dutch club and averaged 1.99 points per game across 176 matches – finishing third, first, fourth and third in the Eredivisie in that time. This shows how well they worked next to each and why van Bronckhorst will be buzzing to work with him again. On the evidence of those statistics, this news will come as a big behind-the-scenes boost to the 46-year-old.

Their success at the Rotterdam outfit is also why fans should also be delighted by this update. It shows that they have a proven track record of winning trophies as a pair in management, which means that van Gastel’s arrival could increase Rangers’ chances of achieving their goals this season – winning the Premiership crown again.

However, it is worth saying that it is never nice to see a club go through financial difficulties, as Rangers fans know more than most, and Guangzhou City’s problems are not enjoyable to read. That being said, football is ruthless and the Gers may now benefit by bringing their head coach in to assist van Bronckhorst.

AND in other news, Gio could save Wilson millions with Rangers beast who is a “winner and warrior”…

Newcastle United have spoken to Manchester United about the possibility of signing Axel Tuanzebe, according to The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards.

The lowdown

Bruce is certainly familiar with Tuanzebe, who was twice loaned to Aston Villa during the manager’s stint in the Midlands.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer started the 23-year-old just four times in last season’s Premier League. He averaged 1.4 tackles, 1.7 clearances and 1.9 accurate long balls per 90 minutes (via WhoScored).

After he helped his side reach the semifinals of the Europa League last term, Solskjaer hailed him as ‘outstanding’.

Tuanzebe is into the final 12 months of his contract, but Manchester United have the option to extend it for a further year. He’s currently valued at £7.2million by Transfermarkt.

With less than three weeks to go until they open the season against West Ham, Newcastle have still yet to make a senior signing.

The latest

The report says that Newcastle are hoping to ‘finally make a breakthrough in the transfer market’ by striking a deal for Tuanzebe.

He’s ‘another name in the frame’ at St James’ Park and ‘could be [their] first signing’ as they play the waiting game for former loanee Joe Willock.

Tuanzebe ‘looks set to leave Old Trafford’ with a move for Raphael Varane being lined-up.

They may either pursue a loan deal or a permanent transfer, having discussed both options with the Red Devils.

The verdict

Newcastle could do with a centre-back this summer, and Tuanzebe would a smart addition. He’s a talented young defender who should be available for a reasonable price, and he has played in a three at the back system before, as well as holding experience playing for Bruce specifically.

Perhaps his most impressive recent performance came in a 2-1 Champions League group stage victory over Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. Tuanzebe was drafted into the side and coped well with the immense threat of superstar Kylian Mbappe.

That display should perhaps be viewed as an indication of his potential and his readiness for the top level.

In other news, this ‘sensational’ star is closing in on a Newcastle exit.

Barry Fry believes that Frank Lampard would get plenty of help if he decided to join Crystal Palace as their next manager.

Palace have yet to appoint Roy Hodgson’s successor following his decision to step down from his role as the club’s manager.

Lampard has been linked with a potential move to Selhurst Park, with The Daily Mirror reporting that he is back in the frame after talks with Nuno Espirito Santo broke down.

The ex-Wolves boss does not appear set to take the job, with talks having broken down earlier this week.

It leaves an opening and Fry believes Lampard would be an excellent appointment for the club, though he does wonder if the ex-Chelsea midfielder will want to join a club in such transition.

Indeed, Lampard has been out of the game since his sacking by Chelsea, a club where he had almost unlimited resources under the ownership of Roman Abramovich.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Peterborough United Director of Football Fry said: “If he did go to Palace, he’d get a lot of help in the football world because of his contacts and his knowledge and the way he is with players.

“I think from Palace’s point of view, that would be a great appointment. From Frank’s point of view, I think he might be looking at a more established club but it depends how much he wants to get back in the game.”

Sheffield United are interested in a deal that would bring Siriki Dembele to Bramall Lane.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Darren Witcoop, with the Reach journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Slavisa Jokanovic is keen on a move for the Peterborough United winger, although the 53-year-old needs to offload some of the United deadwood before he can sanction a move for the 24-year-old.

In his tweet, Witcoop said: “Sheffield United keen on Peterborough’s Siriki Dembele but need to offload players first.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how poorly Sheffield United have started their 2021/22 Championship campaign, with the Blades having scored a single goal and picked up just two points over their opening five fixtures of the season, the fact that the club are believed to be interested in a player as exciting as Dembele is sure to have United fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his 42 League One appearances for Posh last season, the £1.08m-rated man scored 11 goals, registered 10 assists and created a whopping 17 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots and making 1.5 key passes per fixture.

These returns saw the player Barry Fry dubbed an “exciting” talent earn a highly impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.06, ranking him as the club’s joint seventh-best performer in the third tier of English football.

Furthermore, the 24-year-old looks to have continued this fine form after making the step up to the Championship, having already scored two goals over his four appearances in the league, in addition to averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.95 – ranking him as Darren Ferguson’s second-best player in the second tier.

As such, it would very much appear as if the signing of the £2.6k-per-week Dembele could well help solve Sheffield United’s obvious lack of creativity and goalscoring edge so far this term, with his arrival potentially being the boost Jokanovic needs to finally kickstart the Blades’ season.

In other news: Jokanovic heading for grave Sheffield United transfer error over £225k-rated flop

West Ham’s chances of tying Vladimir Coufal have been boosted by one of David Moyes’ moves on deadline day…

What’s the word?

Back in July, Sky Sports claimed that the Czech Republic right-back felt let down by the Irons’ initial contract offer after joining on a three-year deal in October 2020 in a £5m deal from Slavia Prague.

It was thought that Coufal felt his level of performances since arriving in east London were not being fairly reflected, though he does want to remain a Hammers player. He is thought to earn around £35k-per-week currently.

According to club insiders Claret & Hugh, talks with the player are still ongoing at this stage, with the 29-year-old in line to receive a major wage hike – and they believe he has even been buoyed by the addition of his international teammate Alex Kral, who joined the Irons on Tuesday.

Czech mate

This will come as a huge boost to the Scotsman and everyone around the London Stadium, as Coufal has been one of the squad’s standout performers since joining a year ago.

For example, the £13m-rated Czech star was among West Ham’s top-five highest-rated players as per WhoScored figures for the 2020/21 campaign, where he averaged a squad-high 2.1 tackles, on top of 1.2 interceptions and 1.3 key passes per game, and registered seven assists.

Evidently, Coufal plays a major role at either end of the pitch in Moyes’ system, so it’s no wonder they want to tie him down to an extension.

“I think he’s been one of the signings of the season,” claimed Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher on Monday Night Football (4th May, 22:24pm, via Read West Ham).

“We talk about [Tomas] Soucek, but Coufal whether it’s right wing-back or right full-back at different times, he’s just one of those players that’s 7/10 minimum every time you watch him play. He’s the type of player you’d love to play with him. A manager’s dream, never injured, he’s there week in week out.”

Meanwhile, current teammate and club captain Mark Noble described Coufal as a “machine” to ‘That Peter Crouch Podcast’ back in May.

The Hammers now have three Czech Republic internationals in the squad, all of whom were once together at Slavia Prague, so that will certainly help them all settle down in east London, as well as bolstering the morale and camaraderie in the dressing room.

Whether it was intentional or not remains to be seen, but Moyes’ deadline day call has massively boosted West Ham’s chances of keeping hold of one of their best players in Coufal.

The Irons faithful should be absolutely elated by this.

AND in other news, Moyes dropped huge West Ham summer transfer howler over “phenomenal” 30-cap marksman…

Former Rangers star Michael Ball believes that Celtic need to spend big this summer if they are to challenge the Gers next season – a big warning to chief executive Dominic McKay and the board if they appoint Eddie Howe or another manager.

Steven Gerrard’s side enjoyed a phenomenal season as they went unbeaten, winning the title and ending the campaign 25 points clear of their Old Firm rivals.

Neil Lennon resigned midway through the campaign and Celtic have yet to appoint his replacement, though multiple reports suggest that Eddie Howe is poised to take the reins.

Ball, though, does not believe that simply appointing a new manager will solve the issues at Celtic Park and believes that they will need to spend in the summer to bring their squad up to scratch.

Last season, the club paid £14.1m, per Transfermarkt, to bring in Albian Ajeti from West Ham United, Vasilios Barkas from AEK Athens, David Turnbull from Motherwell and Shane Duffy and Diego Laxalt on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion and AC Milan respectively.

Ajeti scored just six league goals, while only Turnbull played more than 30 times domestically.

And Ball thinks that Celtic need to spend if they are stop Rangers “dominating” over the next few seasons.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “Eddie Howe is a fantastic coach, we know how he likes to set up his team and he plays great football but he would need quality players to come to the football club.

“He’ll need to have money to challenge Rangers and play catch up with Rangers. Celtic have had the glory for so many years and some players are moving on now. Scott Brown’s moving on. So they need to bring in new faces.

“Eddie Howe or whoever comes into Celtic Park will need money to try to challenge Rangers because Rangers could dominate in the next few years if Steven’s still there and they keep on backing him.

“It’s a big challenge ahead for Celtic.”

Celtic had a significant overhaul during the previous summer transfer window in terms of the number of players that moved in and out of the club.

After their busy summer, the Hoops have definitely made the most of it in their latest SPFL season in terms of their results.

With 34 league games played, Ange Postecoglou’s side have won 27, drawn four and lost three, scoring 80 goals and conceding 19 along the way.

Now that the end of the campaign is in sight, the Hoops are within touching distance of the league title as they currently find themselves six points clear at the top of the table.

Looking beyond that, the next summer transfer window will be opening and once again give the Parkhead club the chance to make whatever changes to the squad that Postecoglou feels are necessary.

With that in mind, one figure that we think should follow in the footsteps of the numerous players that left the club last summer is midfielder Ismaila Soro.

Having appeared in just eight league games this season, the 23-year-old has played only three minutes of action since September.

This is a big clue that the Ivorian is quite far down in the pecking order at the moment and isn’t likely to be in Postecoglou’s plans for next season.

Back in January, Soro was heavily linked with a move away from the Parkhead club after originally arriving for a fee of £2m during the 2020 winter window.

Taking into account how the midfielder has failed to show the 56-year-old why he deserves to be a regular figure in the team in terms of his performances, the summer could be the ideal time to finally call his time with the Bhoys to an end.

According to WhoScored, the Hoops outcast has only been able to earn himself a rather disappointing overall performance rating of 6.25/10, making him one of the lowest-rated players currently in the squad to have started at least one league game.

This shows just how much the £10.5k-per-week flop has been stealing a living this season.

To further highlight how ineffective the player has been for the Bhoys in this campaign, he has one yellow card to his name but not even a single successful tackle.

With the likes of Tom Rogic, Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, David Turnbull and Reo Hatate all contributing to the team in terms of scoring goals, it’s no wonder that Soro has not been in Postecoglou’s thinking in recent months.

90% of voters in a recent poll ran by Football FanCast claimed that the club should look to get rid of the player in the summer, so things aren’t looking great for his future in a Celtic shirt.

Moving forward, if the Bhoys are able to pick up any sort of cash for the player in the summer and sell him on a permanent deal, this will certainly be the best option for all parties.

In other news: Celtic now plotting 7-figure bid for 14 G/A sensation, he’s perfect for Angeball