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As per West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh, coming after the club’s historic 3-0 victory at Lyon in their Europa League quarter-final second leg, things just get better and better as they share a ‘£30 million’ update.

The Lowdown: Hammers make history…

David Moyes’ side made history on Thursday night by impressively cruising past Lyon into the Europa League semi-finals – where they will take on Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

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Goals from Craig Dawson, Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen sealed a brilliant win for the Hammers who have made history with their run in Europe so far.

Off the field, this could pay dividends for West Ham and club owners GSB, with C&H sharing the latest financial developments after mid-week.

The Latest: C&H make ‘£30m’ claim…

According to their information, the club have been gifted a major windfall as West Ham’s finances ‘grow and grow’.

They claim, when adding up the competition’s prize money, London Stadium ticket sales and TV revenue, the Irons have earned ‘over £30m so far’ due to their run in the Europa League.

The Verdict: Major boost…

It is unclear whether this money, or even a portion of it, will be allocated to Moyes and head of recruitment Rob Newman’s transfer kitty, but this £30 million boost comes as a fantastic side-effect of West Ham’s dream semi-final push.

If they can get past Frankfurt, or even go on to win the Europa League, it would represent a seismic achievement for West Ham and surely cement Moyes as one of the club’s greatest ever figures.

Standing to make even more if West Ham go further, this is a very exciting time both on and off the field for supporters.

In other news: Sky Sports: Moyes eyeing new West Ham target in £21.6m-rated star who’s set to leave! Find out more here.

Sheffield Wednesday have been handed a double injury boost ahead of their upcoming League One fixture.

What’s the latest?

According to a report by Yorkshire Live, Darren Moore could be set to welcome both Lewis Gibson and Dennis Adeniran back to his matchday squad for the visit of Shrewsbury Town on Saturday, with the duo having made good progress in their recoveries from their respective injuries.

Both players missed the club’s 3-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle last weekend, with Adeniran having sat the match out due to a muscle strain, while Gibson could make his Sheffield Wednesday debut against the Shrews after recovering from a series of niggles.

Moore will be buzzing

Considering how impressive central midfielder Dennis Adeniran has been for the Owls so far this season, the fact the 22-year-old looks set to return to first-team action this weekend is sure to have left Moore buzzing.

Indeed, over his five League One appearances so far this term, the £360k-rated man has scored one goal, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and winning 5.4 duels per game.

These returns have seen the former England U18 international earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.04, ranking him as Wednesday’s seventh-best performer in the third tier of English football this season.

Meanwhile, while centre-back Lewis Gibson is yet to feature for the Owls since his season-long loan switch from Everton, the 21-year-old’s return to fitness will undoubtedly also be a major boost for Moore, as the 47-year-old manager is not exactly blessed with a wealth of choice in the heart of his defence.

As such, the duo’s availability will delight the Wednesday manager, who will certainly be hoping his side can get back to winning ways against Shrewsbury.

In other news: Moore could finally unlock “huge” potential of £1.35m-rated ace, he could fire SWFC up

Liverpool have received a significant boost ahead of the new campaign after Virgil van Dijk extended his contract with the club until the summer of 2025.

What’s the story?

A report on Sky Sports revealed that the 30-year-old centre-back had put pen to paper on fresh terms after he announced the news on Twitter.

Van Dijk is the latest Liverpool star to commit his future to the Anfield club, with Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Trent Alexander-Arnold also signing new deals over the summer.

Liverpool fans will be absolutely buzzing

The Netherlands captain became the world’s most expensive defender when he moved from Southampton to Liverpool in a £75m transfer back in January 2018.

Since arriving on Merseyside, Van Dijk has undoubtedly lived up to his price tag, establishing himself as one of the best central defenders in the modern era. He became a crucial cog in Klopp’s setup, scoring 13 goals and providing six assists in 130 appearances for the Reds, inspiring them to a maiden Premier League title and sixth Champions League crown while finishing second in the Ballon D’Or in 2019.

However, a serious knee injury sustained in last season’s Merseyside derby ruled Van Dijk out for nine months, meaning that he missed the majority of 2020/21. With fellow centre-backs Joe Gomez and Joel Matip also sidelined with long-term injuries, it left Klopp needing to cobble together a plethora of previously untried defensive partnerships.

Liverpool’s title defence duly collapsed, with an unprecedented six-game losing streak at Anfield over the winter taking hold in Van Dijk’s absence.

However, after making his comeback to first-team action in pre-season, the former Celtic ace is looking forward to what the new campaign brings.

“All the hard work we’ve put in so far continues, and I am looking forward to what the future brings together with Liverpool. I’m delighted, very happy and proud,” Van Dijk said.

“Since day one, when I joined the club, I felt so much appreciation from the fans and from my teammates and the staff, that I could be a very important member of this football club.

“It has been going well; unfortunately last season for me personally has been a season to forget, to learn from and take with me, but I have enjoyed my time here and will keep enjoying it in the next couple of years altogether with all of you,” he concluded.

Liverpool kick off their new season with an away fixture against newly-promoted Norwich City on Saturday evening, and Van Dijk is excited to get going again.

“I feel like I am ready for the weekend, so we’ll see what the manager decides. It is going to be a totally different atmosphere and mindset for me personally as well,” he added.

The club’s supporters will be absolutely buzzing that their talismanic defender has signed a new contract, giving them a new wave of hope and optimism ahead of the upcoming campaign.

In other news…Liverpool must axe “unbelievable” £7.2m-rated beast this summer, he’s not good enough 

The Celtic Way reporter Anthony Haggerty believes it is going to be a busy transfer deadline day at Parkhead, with the signing of Josip Juranovic whetting the appetite among fans.

Since taking the reins in June, boss Ange Postecoglou has bolstered his squad by welcoming nine fresh faces to Glasgow.

Among the most recent arrivals is Croatia international right-back Juranovic, who has joined from Polish outfit Legia Warsaw for a reported fee of £2.5million.

The 26-year-old made his Bhoys debut in the narrow defeat to reigning Scottish Premiership champions and arch-rivals Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday.

He has made the move to Parkhead having been involved in two of Croatia’s Euro 2020 clashes during the summer.

Postecoglou has also signed Liam Scales from League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers in recent days, but there could still be outgoings with Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie linked with moves away.

Haggerty would not be surprised to see more arrivals before the transfer window slams shut.

He told Football FanCast: “I think Juranovic’s arrival shows Celtic’s intent because most Celtic supporters would say they are still short of a left-back, centre-half, midfielder and centre forward.

“If the supporters are seeing that and Ange is filling in those gaps then that fills you with confidence that he is seeing what you’re seeing.

“I think it was good to get the Juranovic deal over the line for Celtic supporters because they’ve struggled to identify a right-back and they’ve signed a decent one now.”

Many Liverpool fans have flocked to Twitter to react to the news that academy product Isaac Mabaya has signed his first professional contract at Anfield, as confirmed by the club’s official website and Twitter channel.

The 17-year-old has been at the Reds since the age of six and broke into the Reds’ under-18s last season as a wide midfielder before a mid-season switch saw him move to full-back. So far this season, the Preston native has played at right-back for Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s team.

Mabaya has played 21 times for Liverpool’s under-18s, scoring four goals and setting up another five, and he has represented England at under-15 and under-16 level.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Neco Williams following the same path from the academy and featuring for Jurgen Klopp’s first team, the teenager will have eyes on emulating the two senior right-backs and has been rewarded for his performances and potential with a new contract from the club.

Fellow teenage right-back Conor Bradley made his Liverpool first team debut last week in the Carabao Cup victory over Norwich City and Mabaya could be next in line to be handed a chance by Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool fans flock to contract news

These Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to react to the news of Mabaya’s first professional contract at the club.

“Future first teamer”

Credit: @F9Txrres

“Congratulations Isaac! Richly deserved for all the hard work and dedication you’ve put in over the years. Upwards & onwards, sky’s the limit for you. Well done mate”

Credit: @SimonHindley

“Amazing news for Isaac and his family – he has quality in his football and also a great personality. Well deserved for all the hard work you put in Isaac. This is the start of a lot more hard work, but you will smash it.”

Credit: @slingerpete1

“Congratulations homeboy”

Credit: @fariemuk

“Serious player”

Credit: @KonateEra

“This fella looks very promising”

Credit: @paulDix11248352

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to James Pearce’s update on this certain player. Find out more here.

It would hardly be an overstatement to say that the build-up to Derby County’s Championship campaign has been one of the most challenging any team has ever endured ahead of a new season.

Indeed, with Wayne Rooney having just nine fit outfield players prior to the arrival of centre-back pair Curtis Davies and Richard Stearman on Friday, it appeared – for a worrying length of time – as if the 35-year-old would struggle to muster up 11 players for the fixture against Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

Despite this, the Rams put up an incredibly valiant display against the Terriers, taking the lead in the match through the impressive Curtis Davies late on in the first half, only for Huddersfield centre-back Naby Sarr to repeat his counterpart’s feat on the stroke of half time, with the game ultimately finishing honours even.

However, while there were a number of fine performances in the Derby ranks, with Rooney undoubtedly delighted with his team getting something out of the game, there were also a few concerning displays – perhaps most notably from Graeme Shinnie.

While the midfielder picked up the Jack Stamps Player of the Year award for last season before the game, if his performances remain at the level of the Huddersfield clash going forwards, he will certainly struggle to win it again for 2021/22.

Indeed, the 30-year-old was wasteful with the ball, completing none of his five attempted crosses and just one of his four attempted long balls and giving away possession on a whopping 18 occasions.

The £6.2k-per-week man also lost eight of his 15 duels over the course of the 90 minutes, in addition to being dribbled past once and conceding three fouls – with The Telegraph journalist and self-professed Derby fan Ryan Bourne stating his belief that Shinnie looked well “off the pace” in the game.

All in all, the Scotland international’s metrics saw him earn a SofaScore match rating of 6.5, the joint third-worst of the 11 Rams players to start the fixture.

As such, with Derby facing what is sure to be a long and arduous Championship campaign in 2021/22, they will certainly need one of their best performers from last season to step up his game if they are to have any hope of securing survival in the division come next May.

In other news: Rooney heading for grave Derby transfer error over “first-class” £5.4m-rated dynamo

As per The Evening Standard, an update has emerged involving Manchester City defender Nathan Ake and West Ham’s plans for January.

The Lowdown: West Ham in defensive crisis…

After injuries to both Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma, the Irons have been left short of options at the back, with manager David Moyes having just Issa Diop and Craig Dawson at his disposal.

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This has prompted the club to look at their options in the transfer market, with the likes of James Tarkowski and Nathaniel Phillips already linked.

The Championship could also be a source for Moyes as West Ham have reportedly sent scouts to watch QPR defender Rob Dickie, Middlesbrough mainstay Dael Fry and Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly (90min).

The Latest: West Ham weigh Ake loan bid…

As per The Evening Standard, Moyes is personally keen on signing a left-footed centre-half as West Ham weigh up a January loan bid for Ake.

The Netherlands international, who has been featuring more often for City this season, is now on the Irons’ agenda amid their injury woes, and Moyes wants a player of the 26-year-old’s ilk to bring balance to the back four.

The Verdict: Right move?

Described as ‘underrated’ by international teammate and Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, bypassing Ake’s £28.8m valuation (Transfermarkt) and bringing him in on a temporary basis would be an astute bit of business from West Ham’s perspective.

However, City boss Pep Guardiola could arguably wish to keep the 26-year-old at Eastlands for the time being, with his squad having suffered from player availability emergencies as of late. For instance, centre-back Aymeric Laporte missed the trip to RB Leipzig on Tuesday night with a minor knock, so Guardiola may want Ake around for cover.

While it would be a hard move to pull off, especially mid-season, there is little arguing that Ake would improve West Ham’s defence, with Guardiola himself recently calling the Dutchman ‘focused’, ‘intelligent’ and a ‘joy to have’ (mancity.com).

In other news: West Ham could now back Moyes with £17.1m bid to sign 6 foot 3 powerhouse in January, find out more here.

Speaking in a football.london Q&A, reliable Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has made a ‘£70 million’ transfer claim on club chief Fabio Paratici’s summer plans.

The Lowdown: Paratici eyeing summer moves?

Tasked with backing Antonio Conte in the summer market, Lilywhites transfer official Paratici is reportedly eyeing moves already ahead of what will be a pivotal 2022/23 campaign for Spurs.

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Regardless of where they finish this season, with Tottenham still well in contention for a top-four place, Conte will need proof that the club are serious about building a winning team and getting back among the Premier League’s elite.

Bearing that in mind, big decisions will have to be made, with Gold now sharing an update on one of the club’s first intentions of the summer market.

The Latest: Gold makes ‘£70 million’ Spurs claim…

Speaking in a football.london Q&A, the reliable journalist backs that Spurs will make both Cristian Romero and Dejan Kulusevski’s loan deals permanent.

When asked about Tottenham’s transfer budget, he explained: “Making both Cristian Romero and Dejan Kulusevski’s moves permanent will have to be taken into account of course. That’s almost £70million that Spurs will have to pay out this summer and they will do so because every penny is absolutely worth it.

“However, it’s clear chairman Daniel Levy will have to find more money because there is plenty more work to be done and both Antonio Conte and Harry Kane will need to be convinced that next season will be something special.”

The Verdict: First things first…

Tying both players down to permanent deals is arguably the first and foremost priority for Spurs, especially Kulusevski, who has become a key player for Conte since signing on an 18-month loan deal from Juventus in January.

However, as Gold explained, the worry for Spurs supporters may be the leftover finances to seal other transfer targets.

The free agent market may well be pivotal, with Paratici and co already having been linked with a few out-of-contract stars ahead of the summer.

In other news: Tottenham could strike ‘imminent agreement’ for ‘magical’ £25m striker this summer! Find out more here.

An update has emerged on Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard, regarding Newcastle’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

Spanish reporter Edouardo Inda has claimed that the Magpies are interested in signing the Belgian international forward in the January window.

Speaking on El Chiringuito TV, Inda said: “The Newcastle want Hazard. I do not rule out that it comes out in the winter market”

Imagine him & Saint-Maximin

Newcastle must secure a deal to sign Hazard in January as he could be a sensational addition to the squad and improve their chances of storming up the Premier League table by forming an exciting partnership with Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Magpies could take advantage of his difficult situation in Spain to bring him back to England. He has only scored five goals in 51 games for Real Madrid, but his previous form for Chelsea suggests that he could be a terrific option for Newcastle in the Premier League.

In 352 appearances for the Blues, he managed 110 goals and 92 assists – including 85 goals and 61 assists in 245 top-flight matches. This shows that he is a proven player in England who knows how to score and create goals consistently.

Former French international Christophe Dugarry once compared Hazard with Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry, saying: “He’s faster than Zidane, more technique than Thierry Henry.”

Magpies legend Alan Shearer previously claimed that the Belgian had the potential to become the best player in world football. He said:

“He (Hazard) has been the Premier League’s outstanding player over the whole campaign, and he deserves the individual recognition. That is how I felt in 1995 when I won the title with Blackburn Rovers and was also Player of the Year for the first time.

“The bad news for Chelsea’s rivals is that at 24, Hazard is only going to get better. In three or four years, I think we could be talking about the Belgian being the best player in the world – he has the potential to be that good.”

These quotes illustrate the potential Hazard has to be a sensational addition to Newcastle’s squad if he can get back to his best after his struggles in Spain.

Imagine watching him and Saint-Maximin at St. James’ Park, with both players being exciting wingers who like to dribble with the ball and create chances. Saint-Maximin has a career average of 4.9 dribbles and key passes per game, whilst Hazard’s is 5.5.

This means that Newcastle could have two supremely talented wing wizards to get them off their seats at St. James’ Park, which could also cause nightmares for defenders as they attempt to deal with them both.

AND in other news, Newcastle could unlock Willock by signing £100k-p/w beast who helps others “flourish”…

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes that Leeds United winger Jack Harrison could play as a wing-back for the north London club.

The Lowdown: Good season for Harrison

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a decent campaign since being unveiled as a permanent Leeds player, having initially joined the club on loan in 2018.

The winger has gone on to establish himself as a mainstay in Jesse Marsch’s team, having featured in the starting XI in five of the new manager’s six games in charge. Moreover, he has made a telling impact under the American at Elland Road, netting three goals in his last three matches.

As a result, The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath has reported that Tottenham are interested in signing Harrison in the summer transfer window.

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The Latest: Robinson’s claim on Harrison…

Robinson, who regularly features as a pundit for Sky Sports, believes that whilst Harrison could perform as a wing-back for Antonio Conte at Tottenham, the 25-year-old would be better off remaining at Elland Road.

Speaking with Football Insider, the ex-Spurs goalkeeper claimed: “He is capable of playing that role, 100 per cent.

“The question is, would he want to? I’m sure he sees himself more as a goalscoring winger or midfielder.

“When you look at him, you ask the question – is he of the level required for Spurs? They want to push on and compete with the top four. Would Jack fit into that?

“Would he play week in, week out? I don’t think so. He is better off where he is if you ask me. He is building his career at Leeds and is playing every week. I question whether he would be a starter at Spurs.”

The Verdict: Difficult decision

If Harrison is offered the chance to join Tottenham, this could prove a difficult decision to make. With Spurs making a strong late push for a top-four finish, the Englishman could see himself playing in the Champions League next season with a move to north London.

Everton manager Frank Lampard clearly believes that the 25-year-old is up to the task, having hailed him as “one of the best wingers in the league”.

However, whether he can perform at the same level as a wing-back is yet to be seen. In 225 career club appearances, Harrison has only played in defence once, so this prospective transfer could be a gamble for both him and Spurs.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano drops Dejan Kulusevski transfer claim