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Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans are raving over ‘more good news’ in what has been a fairly optimistic week for the club off-field.

Indeed, starting with the official appointment of new transfer chief and head of recruitment Rob Newman, news then emerged of Vladimir Coufal signing a new three-year deal (Roshane Thomas).

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The latter man also elected to stay back from international duty and recover as quickly as possible from a niggling groin problem, a decision which prompted applause from many Hammers supporters.

Now, in what is ‘more good news’ according to one fan, another international update has dropped – this time concerning star striker Michail Antonio.

The Jamaica international, releasing a statement (via football.london), confirmed he will not be travelling with the Reggae Boyz for their three World Cup qualifiers against the USA, Canada and Honduras.

Indeed, the 31-year-old, Jamaica and West Ham apparently agreed it is best for Antonio to remain in London due to the ‘logistical and travel difficulties’.

Flocking to this update, given the concerns over his past fitness record, it is easy to see why Irons supporters are overjoyed with this news.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans flock to Antonio update…

“More good news”

Credit: @NStampar

“This is fantastic news for West Ham”

Credit: @SamanthaWalsh1

“This is perfect for us”

Credit: @1bbyWHU

“Excellent news”

Credit: @CharlieLepley_

“He so crucial to us that this is good news. Another busy few weeks after the International break so we will need him fit and firing.”

Credit: @IanDeakin16

“Lovely stuff.”

Credit: @woodstockiron

“Smart move”

Credit: @xHappyHammerx

“Great news , I thought he might do that after the result last time”

Credit: @manilahammer

In other news: Newman gifted big boost in race to sign ‘outstanding’ star who is ‘very keen’ to join West Ham, find out more here.

Celtic had endured a topsy-turvy start to the new season before the international break kicked in.

Ange Postecoglou had repaired some of the rubble that was still lingering over Parkhead from last term but an Old Firm defeat brought back distasteful memories.

However, buoyed by three new signings that walked through the door on transfer deadline day, the Hoops were back with a bang on Saturday afternoon.

The Bhoys dismissed Ross County in routine fashion as they claimed all three points and won 3-0.

Their match was played just an hour after one of their former strikers, Odsonne Edouard, bagged twice for his new club Crystal Palace.

Yet, the man who for so long had played second fiddle under him last season, Albian Ajeti, took advantage of a slice of rare good fortune.

He has been behind Kyogo Furuhashi in the pecking order since the Japanese striker’s arrival but after his injury, Ajeti scored two of his own goals to carry Celtic to victory.

That said, the Swiss forward wasn’t their true hero from the win this weekend. Instead, that honour has to go to new arrival, Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic found it difficult to bring the defender to Paradise on deadline day and at one stage, it looked as though a move wouldn’t go through. Tottenham wanted a permanent deal for the defender so Postecoglou walked away.

Yet, in the final hour of the window, Spurs couldn’t find a buyer so they contacted the Hoops again and agreed to send him on loan.

That decision is already paying dividends. Carter-Vickers scored a heavily deflected attempt to open the scoring but was a rock at the back and in possession of the ball.

It has taken his defensive colleague Carl Starfelt a while to adjust to Scottish football but it took no such adaptation period for the United States international.

He took more touches (126) than everyone on the pitch barring Starfelt while his 102 passes were again only second to the man next to him at centre-back.

Nine of Carter-Vickers’ 14 long balls were successful while he even produced a key pass from the middle of defence.

Furthermore, he succeeded in four ground duels – a team-high – and also won three aerial duels throughout the encounter.

Topped off with a goal in the second half, this was as close to a complete performance from a central defender that you could ask for.

AND in other news, Forget Soro: Celtic must unleash rarely-seen 20 y/o with a “wand of a left foot”…

Tottenham Hotspur have offered reported transfer target Franck Kessie an attractive financial package to try and tempt him to north London, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Italian outlet Calciomercato claim Spurs have put an offer of €8m-per-year (£6.8m) on the table, which is a substantial increase on what his current club AC Milan have proposed.

It’s thought that the Ivory Coast international would like at least €7m-per-year (£5.9m) guaranteed and that he has rejected the Serie A outfit’s offer of just €5m-per-year (£4.3m) for the first three years of a five-year deal.

The Lilywhites’ offer equates to around £140k-per-week, which would see him sit amongst Nuno Santo’s current top earners and it more than the likes of Eric Dier (£72k-per-week), Lucas Moura (£80k-per-week) and Dele Alli (£100k-per-week), per Spotrac.

However, Mauricio Pochettino’s Paris Saint-Germain are also interested, whilst Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool have been mooted elsewhere.

Forget Skipp

Nuno’s midfield was rather exposed last weekend as his side picked up their first league defeat of the season in an embarrassing manner. Spurs’ ten-men were played off the park by then-winless Crystal Palace.

A trio of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp just had no balance whatsoever and it’s a problem because that tweak was only made due to injuries, so it suggests that there is a lack of true strength in the Portuguese’s depth options.

Someone like ex-Spurs star Mousa Dembele would’ve been exactly what they would’ve needed on the day and that’s something that Kessie could bring to the north Londoners, if signed in January – or beyond.

Skipp, in particular, has endured some mixed performances after being handed the reins by Nuno and at just 20, there’s still so much more to come but perhaps he shouldn’t be playing every single game.

He’s currently their lowest-rated player (6.56) of anyone to start three or more matches this term, which only goes to show his inconsistencies so far.

Kesse, however, is a bundling box-to-box powerhouse who can influence the game at either end of the pitch – an ability that none of Saturday’s three possesses.

The 25-year-old beast found the net 13 times last season, and he also provided four assists and averaged 1.4 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.2 dribbles each league outing, as per WhoScored.

Only Zlatan Ibrahimovic (15) scored more at the San Siro.

It’s why he has been lauded as a “complete” and “devastating” player in the past by those that have coached and watched him, namely current boss Stefano Pioli and former striker Antonio Cassano, respectively.

Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici should know that he’ll be able to land the £36m-rated enforcer for a bargain price in January, with a fee of just £7.5m being mooted.

Forget Skipp, the Italian supremo would be foolish to not push ahead with the plans to secure Kessie in 2022.

AND in other news, Paratici can make amends for Spurs summer disaster with swoop for £30m-rated “machine”…

Celtic target Georgios Giakoumakis is now available on loan, according to Inside Futbol.

The Lowdown: Fee agreed

Giakoumakis has been linked with a late move to Glasgow in recent weeks and a Scotland switch appeared to be gathering pace.

Celtic reportedly agreed a deal in principle with VVV-Venlo for the 26-year-old on Tuesday.

However, personal terms with Giakoumakis are thought to be an issue, with a €150k-a-year difference between the player and the Hoops.

The Latest: Loan swoop?

Inside Futbol shared a story on Thursday afternoon regarding Giakoumakis.

They claimed that the Greece international is now available on an initial temporary basis.

Ange Postecoglou has been in constant contact with the VVV-Venlo forward over a move, and it seems as if Dominic McKay may now have the chance to sign Giakoumakis on loan instead of a permanent deal.

The Verdict: Giakoumakis to agree terms?

If the latest report is accurate and Giakoumakis is available to leave on loan, who knows, that could actually persuade him to agree on Celtic’s terms in a permanent €3m transfer.

If he left on loan, he’d likely stay on his £2,200-a-week Venlo wage, so, if he wants an improved salary as soon as possible, you’d expect he’d have to seal a permanent exit in the final days of the window.

A permanent or loan move appears to be one to keep a close eye on, and any deal could have an effect on an exit for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.

In other news: Southampton reporter ‘told’ significant Ryan Christie update.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have gone wild for an update on exciting youngster Conor Coventry from a Rush Green source.

The 21-year-old has been subject to heavy interest from Peterborough over the last week as The Posh make a move to sign him on loan for the 2021/2022 season.

He has excelled in pre-season for West Ham and is widely regarded as the possible next big talent to come through at the London Stadium, drawing some comparisons with Declan Rice.

When news broke of the Irons considering his loan exit for this campaign, there was plenty of uproar on social media given their lack of depth in central midfield.

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Now, a West Ham source has brought news from Rush Green, explaining to Football Insider that manager David Moyes has ‘pulled the plug’ on a Coventry exit.

Indeed, the Scotsman has apparently changed his mind on the talent and wants him in West Ham’s first team over what will be a long and gruelling campaign fighting on multiple fronts.

Flocking to this development, it’s safe to say many Hammers are ecstatic over the U-turn – find all of their best reactions to the news, in reply to West Ham Fan Zone and West Ham News & Views, down below.

West Ham fans flock to Coventry update…

“Great decision”

Credit: @oogle_bleh

“Yessss”

Credit: @TalkinWestHam

“Wow a good decision kick on young fella”

Credit: @rkellyboy

“Brilliant news”

Credit: @JODYALLEYCAT

“Best news I’ve heard all day!”

Credit: @LindsayWesker

“Excellent news. Equivalent to a new signing”

Credit: @JBsOpinions

“Hallelujah”

Credit: @Timmywink

“so glad to see Moyes putting his foot down about our youth lads! Gotta get the new blood into the squad, heaven knows we need the depth”

Credit: @ryryboltwrap

In other news: ‘Yessss’, ‘What we’ve been asking for’…West Ham fans have also erupted over this ‘beautiful’ club post, find out more here.

Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that he’s surprised Leeds haven’t signed another striker to compete with Patrick Bamford.

Marcelo Bielsa has been generally quiet in the transfer window, with left-back Junior Firpo from Barcelona their only notable addition, although Jack Harrison did sign permanently from Manchester City.

Leeds came ninth in their first campaign back in the Premier League and quickly established themselves as one of the most entertaining in the division, with goals a plenty at both ends of the pitch.

Bamford was a key part of their success last season, scoring 17 goals in the league, behind only Bruno Fernandes, Mohamed Salah, and Harry Kane.

Despite Bamford’s heroics in his first full season in the top-flight, though, Windass believes that Leeds need another top striker to compete for European football next term.

They currently have Spaniard Rodrigo, but he managed just seven goals in his debut campaign in English football.

Windass told FFC:

“They need another number nine, a proven 20-goal a season that gets you in the top four or top six.

 “Bamford did extremely well, but I think every football club needs a proven goalscorer. So, I’m surprised Bielsa hasn’t signed another nine to push Bamford.”

Evening Standard football writer Jack Rosser believes that Kurt Zouma is a good signing for West Ham. 

Zouma made six assists.

According to BBC Sport, the 26-year-old is set to make a move across London and join West Ham for a reported fee of £25m.

During his time at Chelsea, Zouma has had plenty of success as he has helped the club to lift, two Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, one League Cup and the UEFA Super Cup this season, where the Blues beat Villarreal in the final 1-0.

Rosser believes that West Ham are getting a really good signing, telling Transfer Tavern: “I think it’s a good signing for them. I don’t know how interested Spurs were, but I think it shows the sort of level that West Ham are operating at now with you know the consistency they’ve built under Moyes to move up not just away from relegation but into contention for Europe. 

“So, I think it’s a good signing, it’s a good price, and I think he’s exactly the sort of player that they’ve been looking for.”

West Ham have made a fantastic start to the season and currently sit top of the Premier League table after back-to-back wins against Newcastle United and Leicester City, with the Hammers scoring four goals in each game!

Everton have established a ‘good dialogue’ with the representatives of Lazio forward Joaquin Correa, according to Italian paper Il Messaggero (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

Correa can play a variety of positions in attack (via Transfermarkt). He’s most often used behind the number 9, but is also capable of leading the line himself and playing on either wing.

The 26-year-old made 28 Serie A appearances last season, scoring eight goals and providing three assists (via WhoScored).

Correa still has three years left on his contract at the Stadio Olimpico and is valued at £27million by Transfermarkt.

Compatriot Juan Sebastian Veron has urged him to remain in Italy, where he’s been ‘crushing it’ (via Goal).

The latest

Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are named as the two clubs who have made ‘significant advances’ but are by no means the only sides interested.

Arsenal, Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also identified as potential suitors.

Lazio are yet to receive a satisfactory offer for Correa, but may be inclined to sell as a means of funding new arrivals themselves.

The verdict

Everton may be keen to add another potential striking option to their ranks after Josh King left the club at the end of his contract, and more generally, Correa’s versatility would make him an excellent asset.

As the report notes, Lazio may have to present reasonable demands if they want to furnish new boss Maurizio Sarri with some more signings. Anything around the £20million mark would be a pretty modest fee.

Whilst there is some slightly daunting competition for the player, Everton appear determined and it looks as though they’ve stolen a march on Arsenal and Leicester.

In other news, Paddy Kenny defended Everton after this transfer news.

Derby County reportedly have a ‘verbal agreement’ in place to bring Teden Mengi back on loan from Manchester United again this summer.

The Lowdown: Mengi impresses for Rams

The Rams remained in the Championship by the skin of their teeth last season following a 3-3 draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday on the final day, which instead consigned the Owls to League One.

Wayne Rooney brought Mengi to the club in February, with the 19-year-old managing nine league appearances, seven of which were starts. He has now returned to United for the time being, but a return to Pride Park may not be too far away.

The Latest: Return on the cards?

According to The Athletic, a deal is in place to re-sign Mengi this summer once Derby have the funds available to sort transfer business.

The Rams are currently dealing with a transfer embargo, halting their progress in the current transfer window, but the hope is that Mengi will be back at Pride Park on loan again in the near future.

The Verdict: Good young option

The youngster is an exciting emerging player, so it would be encouraging to see him back in a Derby shirt ahead of next season.

While Mengi might not necessarily be a guaranteed starter, with Rooney likely to want some established players in his starting lineup, he could be a handy squad option if the Rams can sign him again.

Rooney hailed him as ‘excellent’ after a Man of the Match display in a goalless draw with Barnsley in March and he will no doubt be happy to bring him back, not least having seen what he can do in the white shirt.

In other news, Derby have been linked with a move for a Euro 2020 player. Find out who it is here.

Celtic are reportedly eyeing a transfer swoop for Derby County full-back Nathan Byrne, according to The Scottish Sun.

What’s the story?

It’s no secret that Celtic are in the market for a full-back ahead of the new Scottish Premiership season, which is set to get underway on Saturday 31st July.

The Bhoys had previously been interested in a deal to sign Sheffield United defender George Baldock, but the Blades seem reluctant to sell any of their key players this summer, with the full-back being among those.

This has seen Celtic turn their attentions to an alternative option in Nathan Byrne, with The Scottish Sun claiming that Agne Postecoglou is keeping tabs on the 29-year-old ahead of a potential move.

Byrne has only been with Derby County since 2020, but has seemingly made a good impression whilst with the Rams, having previously played for Wigan Athletic earlier in his career.

Byrne would leave a sizeable void

Byrne made 42 appearances in total for Derby County last season, in what was a forgetful league campaign under the management of Wayne Rooney.

The Rams finished 21st in the Championship table, and only avoided relegation into League One on the final day of the 2020/21 season, as they drew 3-3 with Sheffield Wednesday, which saw the Owls relegated into the third tier of English football instead.

He had an average Whoscored rating of 6.81, which put him fifth in the rankings amongst the other members of the Derby County team last term.

Byrne made a positive impact at both ends of the pitch for Derby last term though, with the defender having four assists to his name, which put him joint-top alongside Martyn Waghorn in that list.

He also made an average of 1.4 crosses per game, which is more than any other Derby County player in the 2020/21 season, and with only two other Rams players getting through more minutes of action than him (Matt Clarke and Jason Knight), Byrne’s potential departure would leave a sizeable void in the Derby defence.

Derby boss Wayne Rooney has previously labelled Byrne’s game-management as “excellent” back in March 2021, after the Rams secured a hard-fought point against Brentford.

It remains to be seen as to whether Derby are willing to even consider any offers for Byrne this summer, but you would imagine they’ll be keen to keep hold of player that is likely to be a regular in their team moving forwards.

Derby have still got a relatively young squad, and they’ll need the more experienced players in their team to help aid the development of the younger players, especially given that they could be in for another tough season if new arrivals aren’t to come through the door.

But the prospect of potentially European football with Celtic might prove to be too good of an opportunity to turn down for Byrne, and it’ll be interesting to see what his stance on the Bhoys’ rumoured interest in his services is at this moment in time.

If Byrne was to depart, then the Derby supporters are likely to be fearing relegation into League One this season, especially if a suitable replacement isn’t signed before the summer transfer window slams shut.