London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are set for a summer transfer tussle over Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes, as per Spanish outlet Sport. 

While the Portuguese international would likely be a cover player in North London, at West Ham, he could help usher in a new wave of younger, more expansive footballers to take the club towards where they want to be, in a style that pleases the fans.

What’s the story, then?

The report claims that this is not the first interest West Ham have taken in the 24-year-old; the Hammers tried to sign him last summer.

Gomes is valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt but reportedly has a Nou Camp contract until 2021 and a release clause of 100 million euros.

The deal that brought him to Catalonia from Valencia could apparently rise to as costly as 55 million euros if all the add-ons are reached.

West Ham need him more than Tottenham

Obviously, Spurs look likely to be able to offer Gomes Champions League football and a better crack at silverware but it is hard to see him becoming central to Pochettino’s plans.

At the London Stadium, where the fans are becoming frustrated with the functional style under David Moyes, Gomes – who has genuine technical ability – could help the Hammers become the high-tempo passing side their fans want them to be.

Another man who has been linked with the Irons is Tom Cairney. He is the best passer in the Championship and the Fulham captain, alongside Gomes, would bring incredible technical quality to the party.

It feels like a move towards technically gifted, younger players is being made behind the scenes at West Ham and beating local rivals Spurs to sign Gomes would be an enormous first step.

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Leeds fans are starting to worry about what is taking so long as talks continue over a new contract for the brilliant Pablo Hernandez.There hasn’t been much joy at Elland Road since Christmas, but the form of fan favourite Pablo Hernandez has certainly been a bright spot in an otherwise miserable season.The flying Spaniard showed his importance once again in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland, curling in a wonderful equaliser for his seventh league goal of the season.The 32 year-old now has nine goals and eight assists in all competitions this season, and is regularly the source of all things good for Paul Heckingbottom’s side.[ad_pod ]Hernandez could have added an assist shortly after his goal on Saturday, as his wonderful cross nearly sat up perfectly for Ezgjan Alioski.Talks were opened last month over a new contract for Hernandez, with his current deal set to run out this summer.Fans were excited when talks began, but are growing increasingly nervous as they await news, with Garry Monk thought to be trying to lure the Spaniard to Birmingham.Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

West Ham fans are absolutely furious with David Moyes and his team for their 4-1 capitulation at Arsenal on Sunday.Hammers’ fans may have felt Arsenal were there for the taking on Sunday, but three late Gunners goals blew the visitors out of the water, and fans are not very happy with their manager.Moyes’ side travelled to the Emirates off the back of a rather deflating draw with Stoke, and they could have taken the lead against a lacklustre Arsenal in the first half.Arsenal went in front after the break though, when Nacho Monreal converted from a corner.Marko Arnautovic’s beautiful equaliser turned out to be only a consolation, as two goals from Alexandre Lacazette and one from Aaron Ramsey secured the Hammers’ fate.Fans weren’t happy with their manager when he set up rather negatively against Stoke last week, and they’re growing increasingly frustrated with the Scotsman’s team selection and game management.Thanks to the poor form of Stoke and Southampton, the Hammers are still six points clear of the bottom three, but that hasn’t stopped fans from venting their frustrations, and some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…[ad_pod ]

Everton’s ambitions are lofty but at the moment their aging defence is not fit for purpose for the goals the club wants to achieve, under Sam Allardyce or another, more stylish manager.

Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Ashley Williams have seen better days and that is why the absence of Seamus Coleman for large swathes of the season has been so keenly felt.

Whoever is in charge at Goodison Park next season will need to address the defensive situation as a matter of urgency, so it is little surprise to see the Toffees linked with Rangers man James Tavernier, as per the 21:41 entry of the Mirror’s Transfer Liveblog for 28 April. 

Valued at just £675k by Transfermarkt, the Rangers defender would be a cut-price option and we’re asking you whether he would be a good buy for the Toffees?

Let us know by voting in the poll below and keep your eyes peeled for the results…

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There is constant taunting between rival football fans over the course of the season, particularly when it comes to the North-West enemies Liverpool and Manchester United.

Jose Mourinho’s side have the bragging rights as far as the Premier League is concerned given that they finished second in the table, six points above fourth-placed Liverpool.

The Red Devils are also one win away from lifting the FA Cup, but their Merseyside rivals will trump them if they come away with the Champions League trophy on May 26.

Jurgen Klopp’s men will take on Real Madrid in Kiev in the hope of claiming a sixth European crown for the club.

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Understandably, United fans are praying that Liverpool fall short against Los Blancos, but an interesting article by Scott Patterson for ESPN shows a deeper insight into the rivalry.

In the piece, it is claimed that the Red Devils are just as keen to see their rivals lose in the Champions League final as they are to witness their own team win the FA Cup.

In a discussion on Reddit, Liverpool fans were not hugely surprised by the opinion, and in fact, some of them mirrored it while others embraced the rivalry.

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Not that long ago, many Tottenham Hotspur fans would have wondered whether Erik Lamela would ever regain form.

The Argentina international spent a year on the sidelines with hip problems that required multiple operations.

This season after making his comeback, Lamela made 33 appearances in all competitions, provided four goals and two assists.

The traditional winger struggled for regular game time, though, as he was named in the first XI only 12 times by manager Mauricio Pochettino.

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Lamela predominantly plays on the right wing, but fans are wondering whether his positioning should be tinkered with.

On occasion, the Argentine has played more centrally in attack, just behind Harry Kane, but he has also been farmed out to the left.

On Reddit, some supporters suggested that Lamela, who is valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, should be used as cover for Dele Alli.

Plenty agree, while some fans had other suggestions for the ex-Roma star.

Lamela better in a central attacking role/ backup to Dele? from r/coys

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According to Italian reports, Newcastle are one of a number of teams to have enquired about Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro.

What’s the story?

Newcastle will go head to head with Genoa and Valencia for the signature of Sturaro this summer, according to a report from Calciomercato.

The report claims Juventus are interested in Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin as a long-term replacement for the departing Gianluigi Buffon, and that Sturaro could be used as part of the deal.

Newcastle and Valencia have also enquired about the midfielder though, who would surely prefer Premier League action with Newcastle or Champions League action with Valencia over a move to Genoa.

Made to be a Magpie?

Newcastle stumbled across a formidable partnership in midfield this season when Mo Diame suddenly remembered he’s actually quite a good player, but that shouldn’t stop them from going after Sturaro.

Diame had a fabulous season for the Magpies alongside Jonjo Shelvey, but the Senegalese midfielder will turn 31 this summer, and the 25 year-old Sturaro is too good to pass up on as a long-term replacement.

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The midfielder will certainly be seeking a move away this summer, as he has only played 614 minutes in the league for Massimiliano Allegri’s side this season.

Sturaro would offer the Magpies defensive stability in midfield, and his versatility would be a huge weapon for Rafael Benitez. The Italian international, capped four times by his country, has played everywhere across the midfield for the Italian champions this season, even spending some time at right back.

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If Benitez is serious about guiding the Magpies towards a domestic cup run while maintaining their form in the Premier League, then a midfield quartet of Sturaro, Diame, Shelvey and Mikel Merino would give him no end of options both in personnel and system.

Furthermore, his tough tackling, hard working style would be a perfect fit on Tyneside. The Italian international also has title winning experience, which might just provide that winning mentality needed to push Newcastle to the next step.

So, Newcastle fans, would you back a summer swoop for Sturaro? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

West Ham United supporters are eager to sign full-back Ryan Fredericks after watching him play for Fulham in the English Championship play-off final on Saturday.

Fredericks is now out of contract at Craven Cottage and could have played his last game this weekend, but helped his side gain promotion to the English Premier League at Aston Villa’s expense.

The right-back has had an excellent 2017/18 season, creating seven assists for his side and being almost ever present throughout their promotion bid.

With pace, creativity and a desire to impact the game in the final third, he could be the kind of attacking full-back that could revitalise the Hammers’ right flank next season.

It’s been a problem position for the club and Fredericks comes with the added bonus of potentially arriving on a free transfer.

Fans are eager to get the deal done, believing he could be an important part of Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

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They took to Twitter to share their thoughts after Saturday’s match…

According to reports in the Sunday Mirror, Everton are eyeing a £35m move for Manchester United centre-back Victor Lindelof following a tough debut campaign at the Old Trafford.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Sunday Mirror says that new Toffees boss Marco Silva has identified the 23-year-old defender as a priority signing, as long as the Red Devils are willing to offload the Sweden international.

The Sunday Mirror says there is no suggestion that Jose Mourinho wants to sell Lindelof so soon after bringing him to Old Trafford, with insiders suggesting that he will be given a second season to make a real impact.

The report adds that United could be in line to make a profit on the centre-back having purchased him for £31.5m, which is something that could tempt Mourinho given he currently has six players that can play in that position at his disposal.

How did Lindelof do in 2017/18?

The Swede may well have been expected to have formed a first-choice partnership with Eric Bailly at the heart of the back four when he was signed last summer, but it didn’t turn out that way.

The 23-year-old struggled in the early months of the campaign and he was responsible for the two goals conceded in the 2-1 defeat against Huddersfield Town, although he had Toffees winger Yannick Bolasie in his pocket when he featured at right-back in his side’s 2-0 win at Goodison Park in January.

Lindelof made 29 appearances in all competitions, but he failed to make the matchday squad for the final day of the season last month.

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Would he be a good signing for Everton?

He certainly would be, yes.

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While things perhaps haven’t worked out for him at Man United so far, his form for Benfica previously and some of the glimpses of the quality he has in his locker for the Red Devils means he would be a great addition for the Toffees.

The 23-year-old would bring some European experience to the back four, and he could form a strong partnership with Michael Keane at the heart of the Merseyside outfit’s backline.

Convincing United to sell and Lindelof that he should give up on his Old Trafford career after just 12 months could be their biggest challenge.

West Ham fans have been loving some of the recent transfer stories, but they’re not so fond of their latest goalkeeper target.

According to Spanish outlet AS, West Ham are eyeing up a summer swoop for Roberto Jimenez, who could be available for just €2million (£1.75m).

The veteran goalkeeper, who played at every youth level for Spain but never cracked the senior side, spent last season on loan with Malaga, and his parent club Espanyol are looking to cash in.

The Hammers will likely be linked with plenty of Malaga players after they hired the Spanish club’s director of football, Mario Husillos, this week.

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The 6 ft 3 Roberto is a solid goalkeeper, and his experience and knowhow would certainly be an astute addition for under £2m, but fans are hoping for bigger and better things, as he’s not exactly a marked improvement on last season’s horror show in goal.

Lukas Fabianski seems to be the top target for the number one shirt in East London, and fans are bashing the links to the 32 year-old Roberto, who kept just six clean sheets last season in a struggling Malaga side.

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You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, and one fan doesn’t want either goalkeeper target…