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West Ham are reportedly interested in making a move for young Boca Juniors striker Mateo Retegui during the summer transfer window.

Is Retegui heading to Europe?

The 23-year-old is currently plying his trade at Tigre on loan from Boca, scoring an impressive six goals in just eight league starts this season. He has also won an average of 2.9 aerial duels per game in Argentinian top flight, highlighting his prowess as a target man, and big things are being predicted for him into the future.

Retegui may feel that a move to Europe is beckoning, however, in order for him to enjoy a new challenge and test himself in one of world football's most competitive leagues. The Italian has been linked with a switch to the likes of Lazio and Inter Milan in Serie A but it also looks as though the Premier League could be a potential destination.

That's where West Ham come into play, as David Moyes eyes up possible attacking reinforcements ahead of the summer window. His team have been profligate in front of goal this season, only scoring 24 goals in 26 league games, which has no doubt played a key part in their struggles.

Could Retegui be off to West Ham?

According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness], the Hammers are a "great rival" for the other clubs who are keen on signing Retegui this summer, which also include La Liga giants Atletico Madrid and Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt. They are believed to have "already asked for information" about the player, which further suggests that there is progress being made.

GBSK's "spending power" has the potential to beat competition from any club in Italy, given the lack of TV money inflating club finances in Serie A, and the player's valuation is thought to be €15-20m (£13.1m-17.5m). A personal "desire for Serie A" could potentially work against West Ham but that remains to be seen, with the decision ultimately lying with Retegui himself.

He could be a really exciting signing by Moyes' men, with the youngster scoring twice in as many caps for Italy, highlighting his potential, with his best years still likely to be ahead of him. Pundit Lele Adani has described him as a "mix between Belotti and Iaquinta" – two impressive Italian strikers in their own right down the years – and a tally of 29 strikes in 51 appearances is further proof of how clinical he is in the final third.

Everton are a club that has certainly seen an upturn in form since making their managerial switch, ditching Frank Lampard in favour of the tried-and-tested exploits of Sean Dyche.

In moving to Goodison Park, the ex-Burnley boss reunited with many of his former players including Michael Keane, James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil.

The latter two had only joined in the summer under the previous regime, capitalising on the Clarets' relegation to secure the defender for free and the wide man for just £20m.

However, it had been a tough start to life on Merseyside for the young trickster in particular, who had to acclimatise to new surroundings in what was until recently a ship that was sinking fast.

People expected far more output than what he had to offer, and thus he struggled to live up to immense expectations. Despite that, Dyche's return to his side seems to have done wonders in reigniting that confidence to finally show Evertonians his best.

How is Dwight McNeil playing for Everton?

Having been expected to post plenty of goals and assists due to his position, the assumption was far too lofty for a player who had never focused his game around that.

McNeil thrived when he was allowed to express himself down the right flank, but with the freedom to also press from the front as he has done so well since the arrival of his old boss.

When compared to other wingers in Europe, the 23-year-old ranks in the top 4% for tackles, the top 9% for interceptions and the top 4% for clearances per 90 (via FBref), supplementing this earlier statement.

However, it is once he is handed free rein that he can actually begin scoring and assisting; a strength which Lampard clearly was not playing to.

In four of his last five matches in the Premier League, the winger has recorded a 7.1 rating or higher, and across the whole season boasts one key pass per game (via Sofascore).

His three goals and two assists also have him on track to surpass some of his finest creative seasons too. Journalist Joe Prince-Wright even took to Twitter to laud his latest strike, which he branded a "beauty" to send Goodison Park "bonkers".

The £25k-per-week gem's increase in value only exacerbates how his importance has grown for the Toffees too with the club truly striking gold on their investment.

Indeed, Football Transfers now see the apex of his expected Transfer Value at a lofty €43.1m (£37.7m), marking an 88% increase over just a short period.

Should their good form continue, with McNeil at the heart of it, this is only set to soar further as he becomes accustomed to his all-important role at his new club.

When Liverpool gleaned the FA Cup last season, beating Chelsea on penalties for the second time in a matter of months after winning the Carabao Cup final in near identical circumstances, manager Jurgen Klopp eulogised his players as “mentality monsters”, but less than one year on and the club have sunk like a stone.

Just one week ago, the Reds incredibly mauled rivals Manchester United to a historic 7-0 defeat in the Premier League, adding to previous goal-heavy seasonal triumphs against Bournemouth (9-0) and Rangers in the Champions League (7-1).

The Cherries exacted their revenge on Saturday, deservedly defeating meek Liverpool on the south coast, illuminating the issues of fluidity and consistency that plague the Merseyside outfit’s term and threaten to raise the drawbridge on Champions League football next season.

The midfield has been particularly chastised for its loss of intensity and vigour, and with this in mind, summer signings are imperative to cement the longevity of Klopp’s Anfield dynasty.

Jude Bellingham is the salient target, but with reports from 90min that the Reds’ technical director Julian Ward has sent scouts to observe Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba, Liverpool might just have the perfect youthful option to bolster the engine and secure a silver-laden future for the prestigious club.

Who is Carlos Baleba?

The 19-year-old baller has swiftly emerged onto the Ligue 1 scene with Lille, making 12 appearances in the division already and earning high praise from team-mates, with clinical talisman Jonathan David remarking at how “powerful” the teenager is.

The Cameroonian prospect has indeed made a promising start to life in European football, averaging 0.6 shots and 0.9 tackles per game, also completing 84% of his passes and winning 61% of his duels, as per Sofascore.

His aptitude for assured passing and dribbling skills bodes well for the progressive efficacy of Klopp’s midfield, which has certainly failed to offer the robustness the German manager’s system demands this year.

Hailed by team-mate Remy Cabella as a “monster” and “incredible”, the mounting praise surrounding this blossoming dynamo seems to be telling for the scope of his abilities, with a move to Merseyside perhaps an auspicious route for his career, given the rise of the likes of teenage aces Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic.

With his boss hailing him as “exceptional” for entering a withered midfield and injecting vibrant life at just 18 years old, Spaniard Bajcetic is quickly emerging as one of the Premier League’s premium talents, having now made 19 appearances for the club and scoring one goal, being labelled an “incredible prospect” by journalist Tom Barnes.

With Baleba’s physicality and ‘monstrous’ presence in the centre, Bajcetic could find the perfect partner to grow alongside over the coming years, averaging one tackle and 1.4 dribbles per match, according to WhoScored, evidently combative in a way that belies his teenage years and inexperience.

Dubbed a “future star” by journalist Graeme Bailey, Baleba is on his way to becoming one of the most coveted young midfielders on the globe, already valued at around £30m by his outfit, and with Bajcetic demonstrating that Klopp’s Liverpool is a fantastic club to nurture talents and grow as a force in the centre, Anfield might just be the perfect home to kickstart his exciting career. 

The emergence of Stefan Bajcetic this season has been warmly regarded by Liverpool fans, who have been delighted with the impact of a youth star at a time of such concerning turbulence.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has been beset with a raft of issues, and Liverpool have slumped into a campaign mired with negativity after several woeful results have left the club chasing Champions League qualification as opposed to fighting for silverware across multiple fronts, as has become a given each year under the German manager’s wing.

And while a recent purple patch, iced with the sensational 7-0 victory over rivals Manchester United last weekend, has rekindled some of the verve that was intrinsically placed within Klopp’s system, there is a long way to go before the unrelenting and cohesive energy returns to Anfield with blistering regularity.

Bajcetic has made 18 appearances for the senior side since breaking into contention, hailed as “so mature and composed for his age” by journalist Ben Bocsak and dubbed “absolutely superb” by Liverpool writer Matt Addison, and his rise to the fore illustrates the gold that can be unearthed when entrusting the brightest academy prospects with the chance to shine, and the next prodigy to receive attention must be Lee Jonas.

Who is Lee Jonas?

The Kirkby colossus that is Jonas has been described by Liverpool’s official website as ‘a talented centre-half who joined Liverpool at U12 level having previously been at Everton’ with the club also praising his ‘committed’ approach to his play.

The 18-year-old recently penned a new long-term deal with the Merseyside outfit, consequently remarked as “good on the ball and strong in the air.”

Now a distinguished and experienced member of the club’s youth sides, Jonas has made 58 appearances across the different levels, scoring five goals and registering four assists.

Journalist Keifer MacDonald even waxed lyrical about a recent display, calling the rock-solid defender “brilliant at the back” after a UEFA Youth League victory over Porto last month.

Given Liverpool’s defensive frailties this term, shipping three goals to Brentford, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League in 2023 and more recently capitulating at the back to lose 5-2 at home against Real Madrid in the Champions League, a fresh presence to evoke confidence once more could be a coveted item for Klopp and co.

And with his ball-playing aptitude falling sweetly into the system that Klopp implements, with Neil Jones even lauding one “fine pass” earlier this term, the young titan seems to be tailor-made for a role with the Reds in the near future.

If Jonas can continue to prove his worth among the youth ranks at Liverpool, it is but a matter of time before he earns a shot among the senior crop, and given the recent success of Bajcetic, Klopp might just be inclined to grant the gem a berth within the first-team sooner rather than later.

West Ham manager David Moyes ‘still has full support from the board’ after a 4-0 defeat to Brighton on Saturday, Roshane Thomas reports.

The Lowdown: 14th league defeat

The Hammers fell to a hugely disappointing 4-0 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, which led to the travelling supporters making their feelings known to Moyes, chanting ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’.

West Ham continue to flirt with the bottom three following their 14th defeat from 25 top-flight games, but it looks as if the Scot’s job is still secure.

The Latest: Moyes update

Thomas, West Ham correspondent for The Athletic, took to Twitter late on Saturday evening.

The reliable reporter stated that Moyes ‘still has full support from the board following West Ham’s 4-0 loss against Brighton & Hove Albion’.

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The Verdict: Crucial games

West Ham face a crucial period which could have a major say on Moyes’ long-term future, with their next three top-flight fixtures all at home against Aston Villa, Southampton and Newcastle respectively.

The Hammers also have a two-legged Europa Conference League last-16 tie with AEK Larnaca to negotiate prior to the international break.

The meeting with Villa at the London Stadium falls in between the meetings with AEK Larnaca, and right now, you could say that the clash with Unai Emery’s side is much bigger given their position in the Premier League.

West Ham United are now serious contenders for Bristol City sensation Alex Scott as they become ‘firmly’ in the mix.

The Lowdown: Hammers make transfer plans…

Despite their status as Premier League relegation candidates, with rumours also having surrounded the position of manager David Moyes, it is believed West Ham chiefs are still making transfer plans behind-the-scenes.

There have been links to the likes of Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and West Ham are believed to have made an out-of-window offer to the player via his representative.

New targets are emerging consistently ahead of the summer with The Mail now sharing news on Scott.

The Latest: West Ham ‘firmly’ in Scott mix…

According to their information, West Ham are ‘firmly’ in the mix to sign him this summer amid interest from a plethora of other top flight sides.

This comes after head of recruitment Rob Newman was sent to run the rule over Scott this week, specifically during Bristol City’s 3-0 defeat to Man City in the FA Cup.

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The Verdict: Very exciting player…

Scott is rated highly by both manager Nigel Pearson and Bristol chiefs.

The midfielder dazzled against City in midweek, prompting Pep Guardiola to call him an ‘unbelievable player’.

Such high praise from an elite boss like Guardiola should be plenty of evidence that Scott could be destined for stardom, as put by journalist Henry Winter, who claimed it is inevitable that the player makes a move to England’s top flight.

Scott is ‘flourishing’ at Ashton Gate according to Winter, as evident by the fact he currently ranks among Pearson’s best-performing  players by average match rating (WhoScored).

Arsenal sporting director Edu appears to be already plotting to strengthen in the summer window, amid reports that the Gunners are eyeing a deal for Real Valladolid sensation, Ivan Fresneda.

What’s the latest on Fresneda to Arsenal?

According to the Evening Standard, the north Londoners are currently part of a ‘four-way fight’ to land the 18-year-old this summer, with Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United and Juventus also currently in the running for the Spaniard’s signature.

The report suggests that Edu and co have been ‘scouting’ the teenager in recent times and will continue to keep a close eye on his progress between now and the end of the season, while the player himself – who is said to have a £26.5m release clause in his existing deal – is set to ‘assess’ his options once the current campaign is over.

This follows previous reports during the January window that claimed both Arsenal and Dortmund had reached an agreement with the right-back for a fee of around £13m, albeit with no move ultimately coming to fruition as the youngster opted to stay put with the La Liga side.

Could Fresneda be the next Trippier?

That scramble for Fresneda’s services has not been without merit, with the 6-foot starlet having enjoyed a promising start to life at senior level thus far, despite having made just 14 first-team appearances for his current side to date.

Even with that relative inexperience, the exciting full-back has clearly caught the eye of clubs across Europe, having been branded “remarkably complete” by Spanish football expert Matt Clark earlier this season.

Also lauded by Clark for having shackled Real Madrid dynamo Vinicius Jr. back in December – making eight tackles and winning ten duels in that 2-0 defeat – the Spain U19 international is evidently making a big impression, with those back at the Emirates likely to be desperate to get a deal over the line.

Any potential fears that Mikel Arteta’s side may have over the teen’s ability to adapt to life in the Premier League can well be eased by the defender’s apparent likeness to Newcastle star, Kieran Trippier, with the two men seemingly able to flourish at both ends of the pitch.

That comparison is best illustrated by the duo’s defensive strength as Fresneda has averaged 2.9 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game from his ten league outings this season, while Trippier has averaged two tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game – albeit while having made 23 top-flight appearances.

Equally, the latter man is clearly a real threat in an attacking sense as he ranks second in the division for big chances created (18) – behind only Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne (24) – while young Fresneda has been lauded for his “beastly ability” to provide quality service from the flanks, as per journalist Juan Arroita.

To be able to land their own version of the Magpies machine would represent a true masterstroke for the Gunners, with the Englishman having been a “revelation” in recent times at St James’ Park, in the words of talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan.

The 32-year-old has been instrumental in helping to steer Eddie Howe’s men into the mix for Champions League qualification, with his average match rating of 7.83 the highest of any player in the Premier League this season, as per Sofascore.

As such, to have found a potential Trippier 2.0 in the form of Fresneda would certainly help to bolster Arteta’s squad for next season, particularly with the Spaniard currently deploying Ben White in something of a makeshift role at full-back.

There will, clearly, be a real battle to be able to snap up the Valladolid gem, although if Edu can strike a deal he could well be able to land a possible long-term fit at right-back who can nail down that role for years to come.

Barcelona director of football (DoF) Mateu Alemany is set to hold talks with Leeds United over a move for Raphinha in the coming days.

The Lowdown: Raphinha could cost £60m-£70m

The Brazil winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Nou Camp in recent months. The 25-year-old has a €25m (£21.5m) relegation release clause in his Elland Road contract, something which can’t be activated this summer after the winger played a key role in helping the Whites to remain in the Premier League.

Phil Hay stated that it would take a bid in the region of £60m-£70m for Leeds to part way with their playmaker, who Illan Meslier called a ‘storm’.

The Latest: Barcelona chief bound for Leeds

Inside Futbol relayed an update from Spanish outlet Sport regarding Raphinha on Sunday morning. They claimed that Barcelona DoF Alemany is set to travel to Leeds early next week to renew discussions over a move for the Brazilian.

The report added that the Elland Road hierarchy are not happy with the Catalan club after they waited on activating Raphinha’s relegation release clause, with Alemany looking to repair the damage caused by that stance.

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The Verdict: Stand firm

The Whites are under no major pressure to sell Raphinha this summer as he enters the final two years of his contract, so it is crucial that Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani stick to their lofty valuation over the coming months.

Barcelona have their own financial issues to contend with, but Leeds don’t need to do them any favours by accepting any player-plus cash offers which have been mooted.

It’ll be interesting to see how this one plays out, and many Whites supporters may not have been expecting the club to be in such a positive situation last month, when it looked as if Raphinha was playing his final home game and relegation looked inevitable with Leeds trailing 1-0 to Brighton heading into stoppage time before plundering a last-gasp equaliser.

In other news – Orta on a roll: Leeds agree five-year deal with ‘goal threat’ in transfer which will cost £21.4m

The 2021/22 campaign may have only recently come to a conclusion, although all eyes are now firmly fixed on how each team will shape up next term, with Aston Villa stealing a march on their rivals with some notable early business.

Just over a week or so on from the Premier League’s final day, the Midlands side have already wrapped up three marquee arrivals, bringing in Sevilla’s Diego Carlos, Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara and Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho – the Brazilian having made his loan deal permanent.

That latter deal saw manager Steven Gerrard utilise his Liverpool connections to bring the £142m genius to Villa Park, having played previously alongside the 29-year-old at Anfield under current Leicester City boss, Brendan Rodgers, the pair coming a whisker away from winning the Premier League title in 2014.

Now, the former Reds skipper could well look to Merseyside again to bring in another familiar face, with the evergreen veteran James Milner having been tipped to join his former England colleague this summer by pundit Jason McAteer.

Much like with the Coutinho deal, bringing in the 36-year-old would be something of a coup for the Villans – even in his advancing years – with the former Manchester City gem offering invaluable experience and versatility to help the club improve upon their 14th place finish from last term.

The indication is that NSWE are plotting a move for another midfield addition, despite the arrival of Kamara, with Milner potentially an ideal, short-term fit, even if he may not be the glamorous name that supporters would be hoping for.

Since joining the FA Cup winners in 2015, the one-time Newcastle man has racked up 289 appearances in all competitions for Jurgen Klopp’s side – notably chipping in with 70 goal contributions in that time and winning both the Champions League and all three domestic trophies.

A long servant of the Premier League, the £150k-per week machine has made a staggering 588 appearances in the competition in total, having made his debut at the age of just 16 almost 20 years ago.

Such knowledge and service could prove vital to Villa, while concerns over the suitability of captain Tyrone Mings has left the club in desperate need of a new skipper, with Milner potentially the “leader” – as he has been dubbed by Leanne Prescott – that Gerrard is searching for.

There would, of course, be an emotional element to any move to Villa Park, with the £1.8m-rated playmaker having enjoyed two previous spells at the club, initially joining on loan in 2005, before making a permanent switch in 2008.

His stints may have been brief, yet they were no less impressive, the Leeds born ace notably hitting snapped up by Manchester City that summer.

A fairytale return could be on the cards, with it wise for Gerrard to utilise his pulling power to bring the 61-cap international to the club, as he did so successfully with Coutinho.

With Milner – whose free transfer move to Anfield has been dubbed a “bargain” by writer Ben Webb – currently nearing the expiry of his contract, Villa would be able to secure a ‘bargain’ of their own this summer.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Liverpool have been in hot pursuit of Aurelien Tchouameni with the player reportedly agreeing on terms with the club last week, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has given a key update on the Monaco midfielder’s future, with Liverpool still interested in signing the player this summer.

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Romano tweeted: “Key week ahead for Aurelién Tchouaméni deal. Real Madrid had new contacts with club and player side during the weekend, before and after the Champions League final.

“Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are still on it – Real are now in direct talks with Monaco.”

Supporters will be excited

After a disappointing weekend for The Reds after the defeat in the Champions League final to Real Madrid, the news that a deal for Tchouameni could still be on the cards for Liverpool will surely leave supporters excited about the summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old ace has been attracting a lot of attention from some of the biggest clubs in the world following an impeccable season in Ligue 1 with Monaco.

Tchouameni scored three goals, delivered two assists and created six big chances this season in 35 league appearances, but it is not just his creativity and attacking threat that has caught the eye of the powers at Liverpool.

The Frenchman had a 92% pass accuracy in his own half, made 2.9 interceptions, 2.5 tackles and took 75.5 touches on average per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels (64%) and has been successful in completing the large majority of his dribble attempts (73%).

With that being said, it is clear that the youngster can effectively offer reliability and consistency in both defensive and offensive play, making him a complete midfielder that could be a real force if he was deployed at Anfield alongside the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho next term.

Liverpool will need to work hard to come up with an offer that can tempt the player away from joining Real Madrid this summer as it is looking like the Spanish club are stepping up their interest.

However, if the Merseyside club could secure the signing it would be a major coup for Klopp.

AND in other news: Forget Mane: Klopp can land new LFC hero in deal for “tenacious” £100m “predator”