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According to regional Italian news outlet La Nuova Sardegna (via Sport Witness), Tottenham Hotspur target Nahitan Nandez ‘prepares his suitcase’ for a move to N17.

The Lowdown: Nandez eyed by Spurs…

Ever since the future of Spurs midfielder Tanguy Ndombele became a bone of contention, the club have been linked with a host of midfield players.

The likes of Denis Zakaria, Corentin Tolisso and Joao Palhinha have been linked as well as Nandez – with some reports even claiming that Spurs are close to signing him.

Now, another claim from Italy has emerged, and it’s a promising one.

The Latest: Spurs close in on Nandez…

La Nuova Sardegna back that Tottenham are ‘close’ to securing a deal for Uruguay international with managing director Fabio Paratici seemingly ‘serious’ about signing the player.

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It is also claimed that ‘work is underway’ to sign Nandez and bring him to north London and the transfer could be an ‘onerous loan of around €10m (£8.5m) euros and a redemption obligation of €15-20m (£12.8m-£17.1m)’.

The player himself ‘prepares his suitcase’ for a move to N17 and this could indicate advanced nature of the development.

The Verdict: Get it done…

A versatile player, Nandez can be deployed in central midfield, as a right-wing back and as a right-winger – solving an array of problems for Nuno Espirito Santo for a fairly reasonable fee.

The 25-year-old has also been called ‘underrated’ and ‘amazing’ by pundits (Mina Rzouki, Twitter), coming as a very exciting signing who could potentially bolster Nuno’s options for 2021/2022.

If the six different positions Nandez can play are anything to go by, Paratici could be killing several birds with one reasonably priced stone, adding depth in several areas at once.

In other news: Offer pending: Levy readying Spurs bid to sign ‘amazing’ player who Nuno personally wants, find out more here.

West Ham United have had a very quiet transfer window so far, but that could all be about to change with less than two weeks remaining until the August 31 deadline.

What’s the story?

According to 90min, the Hammers have identified Sevilla striker Luuk de Jong as a potential target, with David Moyes desperate to add some strength in depth to his threadbare squad.

The report states that the Spanish club are prepared to let the 30-year-old depart the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan summer after agreeing a deal to sign Wolves forward Rafa Mir for a £12m fee.

GSB must sanction West Ham United swoop

After rising through the ranks at boyhood club De Graafschap Doetinchem, de Jong moved to FC Twente in 2009 and fired the club to their first and only Eredivisie title under the stewardship of former England manager Steve McClaren.

A Dutch Cup followed as the 6 ft 1 forward bagged 59 goals and provided 36 assists in just 120 appearances for the overachieving minnows. His incredible performances for Twente earned him a move to Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach, but he struggled to adapt to the pace of German football.

After making just 17 top-flight starts in 18 months for Monchengladbach, a short-term loan move to Newcastle United failed to rejuvenate the Netherlands international as he failed to score in 12 outings for the Magpies.

However, a return to his homeland with PSV Eindhoven in 2014 saw de Jong revert to his scintillating best, inspiring the club to two league titles during his five-year stay, with 112 goals and 56 assists in 204 games.

The £9m-rated hitman tried his luck in one of Europe’s top leagues once again in 2019, and his winning touch transferred to the Spanish giants.

Although he struggled to find the back of the net on a regular basis throughout his first campaign with the club, de Jong stepped up in the Europa League final, scoring two headers as the Rojiblancos overcame Inter in the final.

His heroics earned him a place in the club’s folklore, with Spanish outlet AS claiming he that can no longer do wrong in Seville: “He struggled with his productivity all season, but not in the final. These kinds of things make football beautiful. His goals make de Jong an eternal hero,” they wrote.

However, the well-travelled frontman appears to be on the move once again, and West Ham’s owners GSB must sanction a move for the Dutchman.

Michail Antonio is currently the only recognised striker in Moyes’ first team squad, and with his dodgy injury record and the added Europa League fixtures, West Ham will need extra reinforcements up top if they are to challenge on multiple fronts.

With de Jong excelling at holding the ball up and bringing others into play, his attributes would offer Moyes a different option in the final third of the pitch and could perfectly complement the likes of Said Benrahma, Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals in behind.

At this moment in time, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is the capital club’s only summer acquisition, something which must change before the window shuts, and de Jong’s possible arrival would be a good way to make up for lost time.

In other news…West Ham handed huge transfer boost over “special” 29-cap beast, fans surely buzzing 

Watford begin their Carabao Cup campaign with a fixture against Crystal Palace at Vicarage Road on Tuesday night, a game which should allow Xisco Munoz to play some of his younger or fringe players.

After a superb opening day 3-2 win against Aston Villa, the Hornets were brought back down to earth with a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Brighton last weekend, and they will need to put in a much-improved performance if they are to progress against the Eagles.

Patrick Vieira’s side have failed to score in their opening two games but picked up a point against Brentford last time out, so they could pose a threat at Vicarage Road.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Xisco to line up his side tonight, with seven changes from the team which started against Brighton last time out…

Although Daniel Bachmann has established himself as the first-choice at Watford, Premier League veteran Ben Foster is a more than adequate backup and he gets the nod for this one.

There are three changes in defence, as Francisco Sierralta makes his first start of the season at centre-back, with Jeremy Ngakia returning to the team at right-back in place of Craig Cathcart, who looked unconvincing against Brighton. Danny Rose also comes in for his first appearance since his summer move to Vicarage Road, taking the place of Adam Masina.

Injury problems and a lack of squad depth mean that Xisco keeps the midfield trio of Peter Etebo, Imran Louza and Tom Cleverley for tonight’s game.

Finally, it’s all change in attack, as Cucho Hernandez and Josh King both start after coming off the bench on Saturday, whilst Kwadwo Baah makes his first appearance in a Watford shirt against his former club, with the 18-year-old having impressed enough in training to earn a spot on the bench against Brighton.

In other news… Watford transfer saga is finally over as Alan Nixon shares huge update

A number of Sheffield Wednesday supporters have criticised Liam Palmer’s performance in the Owls’ 1-0 defeat to Morecambe on Saturday.

Darren Moore’s side had made a superb start to the season going into the weekend action, picking up ten points from four games and topping League One.

Wednesday also hadn’t even conceded a goal, with the early signs suggesting a promotion push is on the cards.

The Owls were the overriding favourites to win away to newly-promoted Morecambe on Saturday, but things didn’t pan out that way.

Dennis Adeniran’s own goal proved to be the difference between the two sides, with the visitors unable to break down their opponents, despite their dominance.

Palmer may have been an excellent servant for Wednesday, but he didn’t have a great day at the office in a central defensive role, managing no tackles, no blocks and just one interception.

Sheff Wed fans lambast Palmer display

These Owls fans laid into the Scot on Twitter, following a hugely disappointing defeat.

“Brilliant touch thanks again Palmer for your loyal service you truly are an awful footballer”

Credit: @hatty1983

“Substitutions were shocking how the hell did Johnson stay on for 90mins, Brown and Adeniran should have stayed on. Palmer cost us the game, can’t control a ball”

Credit: @Boxingday40

“Poor. Lost plot after goal #swfc Palmer shocking”

Credit: @kris32827497

“All because of Palmer who couldn’t trap a bag of cement. I wouldn’t have him anywhere near the team, accident waiting to happen that bloke”

Credit: @FinlayDerbyshi3

“Not surprising with Liam Palmer at centre half!”

Credit: @OwlPricey

“Need new CB this week”

Credit: @stevie1953

In other news, Dom Howson has provided a key Sheff Wed transfer update. Read more here.

Arsenal have been linked with a shock move for Serge Aurier in recent days…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, the Gunners have been notified about the 28-year-old’s availability following his release from arch-rivals Spurs on deadline day.

It’s thought that the Ivory Coast right-back is keen to remain in the country after attracting offers from France, Turkey and Russia during the transfer window.

No suitable bid came forward and with Aurier having no future at the north London club, the two parties came to a mutual agreement to end his £120k-per-week contract a year early.

Disaster waiting to happen

Gunners chief Edu Gaspar is already facing mounting pressure at the Emirates Stadium following several poor transfer windows and a move for the calamitous defender could see the fanbase turn on him even more.

The Brazilian sporting director has endured a nightmare in recent seasons – under his tenure, Arsenal have spent around £300m but have only recouped £80m in return, per the Express.

In that time, they have recorded back-to-back eighth-place finishes in the Premier League and went from clinching the FA Cup to not qualifying for a European competition whatsoever.

To make matters worse, they have made no fewer than six additions this summer and Mikel Arteta’s side have lost all three of their top-flight matches.

“Get rid” and “fraud” are just two phrases that have been used to describe the Arsenal supremo in recent days, as relayed by HITC.

According to reports, the Gunners could line up another ex-player, Marc Overmars, as Edu’s replacement and the signing of Aurier would surely push him closer to the exit door.

There’s a reason that Nuno Santo was prepared to offload him and bring in another name in Emerson Royal.

Speaking after Spurs’ Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher described Aurier as “one of the biggest liabilities in Premier League football” and was a player that “would possibly put you off management with the amount of crazy decision he makes,” via talkSPORT.

That’s the last thing Arteta needs right now, especially after the arrival of Takehiro Tomiyasu, who can play both on the right and at centre-back.

Also dubbed an “absolute liability” by ex-Lilywhites midfielder Jamie O’Hara, the potential signing of the £18m-rated defender would be a recipe for disaster, given all the circumstances mentioned above.

Edu must not sign Aurier, otherwise he could well have to deal with the consequences from around the stadium.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Arsenal transfer update that’ll leave fans buzzing…

Southampton go in search of their first victory of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign as they host West Ham at St Mary’s this afternoon.

The Saints have picked up two points from their opening three league outings, losing to Everton and drawing with Manchester United and Newcastle.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side did thrash Newport County 8-0 in the Carabao Cup in between their two Premier League draws, but they are yet to taste a top-flight win to earn them three points since the campaign started.

Will Hasenhuttl make any changes to his side against West Ham? Here is our predicted XI for the match…

We are predicting that the Austrian will make three changes to his starting XI from the draw at St James’ Park, with Romain Perraud, Jan Bednarek and Nathan Redmond coming into the team.

Starting off in the heart of the defence, we are predicting Bednarek to come into the team in place of Jack Stephens after six goals conceded in three league matches. Hasenhuttl needs to do something to address the leaky backline and starting the Poland international could help. We have published an article explaining our reasoning behind this proposed switch, with the 25-year-old’s performances last season suggesting that he could have a bigger impact than Stephens.

The second change we are predicting is Perraud for Kyle Walker-Peters. The former Spurs defender had a solid game at left-back against Newcastle, but we believe that the balance of having a left-footed player at left-back will be more effective for Southampton against West Ham. It allows the build-up play to progress faster down that side, instead of Walker-Peters needing to cut back onto his right foot when he receives the ball as he is a right-back by trade.

Our final change to the XI is Redmond in for Moussa Djenepo on the left. The Mali international endured a torrid afternoon against the Magpies as he recorded a SofaScore rating of 6.1, missing a ‘big chance’ and losing seven of his 10 duels on the pitch.

He lost possession nine times from 37 touches and was tackled in three of his five dribble attempts. This shows that he had a poor performance and deserves to drop out of the side, with the £16.2m-rated Redmond coming in to have a chance to show what he can do. The wing wizard came on for Djenepo at Newcastle and created a ‘big chance’ in just 32 minutes on the pitch, offering a glimpse of the threat he can provide.

We are predicting that the rest of the team will remain the same from the draw with Steve Bruce’s side a fortnight ago.

AND in other news, “Now close”: Ralph makes claim on 21y/o maestro that’ll leave Southampton fans buzzing…

Celtic midfielder Ciaran Dickson has continued his fine start to life at Lennoxtown with a second goal in as many games for the club’s B team, The Scottish Sun report.

The Lowdown: Under-the-radar move

The 19-year-old was released by the Hoops’ crosstown rivals in the summer despite signing a new contract at Ibrox at the beginning of the year.

He was pictured holding up a Celtic shirt at Parkhead at the end of August, although the Hoops never officially unveiled Dickson as a Hoops player.

The midfielder netted against Morton on the weekend, with Celtic B’s Twitter account describing the midfielder as a ‘new signing’.

The Latest: Second goal

Celtic development team coach Tommy McIntyre described Dickson as a ‘top player’ who has ‘made an impact’ already.

Dickson followed up his debut goal for the Hoops’ development side by opening the scoring in a 2-0 win over Gala Fairydean Rovers in recent days.

The Verdict: Positive signs

Dickson has clearly impressed in his opening weeks at Lennoxtown, which can only be a good sign for all associated with the green and white side of Glasgow.

CEO Dominic McKay may have been the man to seal a deal for the free agent recently, and hopefully over time he will progress into Ange Postecoglou’s first-team fold, especially as Celtic only made two senior midfield additions despite losing three in that area during the summer transfer window.

In other news: Pundit reacts as Anthony Joseph shares specific Celtic transfer details. 

West Ham United are now gearing up for their first UEFA Europa League clash of the 2021/2022 campaign as they travel to Dinamo Zagreb, and there is certainly an air of real excitement.

David Moyes’ side overachieved with the squad they had last season and few expected their mighty climb to European football after they narrowly avoided relegation in 2019/2020.

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Indeed, West Ham were one of the fairy tale stories during a campaign blighted by the absence of supporters due to COVID-19 – but there should be plenty in Croatia this evening.

The Hammers take on Zagreb in their first Europa League bout of the new season and will be looking to get off to a fine start.

Moyes’ men will fancy their chances in Group H with both Rapid Wien and Genk coming as the other competitors.

In the build up to what will be a memorable occasion tonight, West Ham have dropped a montage in an official club post – prompting many supporters to erupt in anticipation.

Showcasing footage of West Ham’s past seasons in Europe and summing up the momentous occasion, the club’s sublime video has certainly got many fans excited for tonight.

Find all of their best verdicts on the post, which you can watch here, down below.

West Ham fans erupt over official club post…

“Wow the goosebumps”

Credit: @camwestham

“So Excited”

Credit: @ZaynafamilyMary

“THIS. IS. REAL. HYPE”

Credit: @jjscoyi

“Ok. This is mad”

Credit: @whufcdp

“28 years I’ve supported @WestHam and I can’t wait for tomorrow”

Credit: @Hillly93

“Already cried today and probably will tomorrow too”

Credit: @JrTheSavior87

“Tears in my eyes COYI”

Credit: @nathware10

“it’s still so wild that this is actually happening”

Credit: @heartsneedabeat

In other news: ‘No brainer’…Sky pundit reacts as West Ham eye ‘massive signing for Moyes’, find out more here.

Rangers will be hoping to return to winning ways as they face Livingston in the Scottish League Cup on Wednesday night.

The Gers were held to a 1-1 draw by Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership at the weekend, which came just after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Lyon in the Europa League.

Steven Gerrard will surely be hoping for an improvement from his side after the draw with Motherwell, with a place in the semi-final up for grabs tonight.

How many changes will Gerrard make? Here is our predicted XI for the match…

We are predicting that he will make six changes, with Leon Balogun, Jon McLaughlin, Calvin Bassey, Juninho Bacuna and Alfredo Morelos coming in.

Between the sticks, we are predicting that Jon McLaughlin will be given a run-out ahead of Allan McGregor. Rotating the goalkeepers between the different competitions could help to keep the squad morale high in the Rangers squad, rather than having players unhappy at a lack of game time.

We published an article explaining why £3.1k-per-week dud Jack Simpson must be axed, with Leon Balogun replacing him in the XI.

Next to Balogun, however, we are predicting that Calvin Bassey will come in to give Borna Barisic a rest. The Croatian could sit this one out to ensure that he is 100% fit for the clash with Dundee at the weekend.

In midfield, we believe that Juninho Bacuna will be handed a start. He made his debut for Rangers as a substitute against Motherwell, opening the door for him to be placed in the starting XI for this match. It could be an ideal chance for him to show Gerrard that he deserves to be playing in the Premiership week-in-week-out.

The final change we are predicting is at the top end of the pitch. Whilst Kemar Roofe and Scott Wright keep their places, Alfredo Morelos comes in for Fashion Sakala. The Colombian international has only scored once in five Premiership appearances this term and is in desperate need of a confidence boost, which is why we believe Gerrard will start him in this match in the hope that he will finally hit the goal trail.

AND in other news, Fresh development emerges on “instrumental” gem that’ll excite Rangers supporters…

Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Warburton has provided a promising injury update on the Rs goalkeeper, Jordan Archer.

What’s been said?

In recent comments cited by West London Sport, the QPR manager revealed that the 28-year-old summer signing has been absent from the Rs bench for the last four fixtures after an accidental collision in training, meaning the Scotland international had to adhere to concussion protocols.

And, while Archer did not make the bench for the club’s 2-0 win over Birmingham City earlier this week, as was predicted by West London Sport, the shot-stopper looks set to be available for the visit of Preston North End on Saturday.

Speaking about the goalkeeper’s current condition, Warburton said: “We had a concussion situation with Jordan and we had to go through the protocols. He got a smack in training, which is always a risk that we run. But Joe [Walsh] is more than capable of stepping up. Jordan took a nasty whack, we followed the protocols and we’ve gone through that process now.”

Fans will be buzzing

While Archer is by no means a guaranteed starter at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, having yet to make a league appearance since joining QPR back in July, the ‘keeper has nevertheless demonstrated his ability in the club’s Carabao Cup campaign so far this season, with his return to the bench undoubtedly making the west London side stronger in the position – something which is sure to have fans buzzing.

The £270k-rated man impressed in the 2-0 win over Oxford United, keeping a clean sheet, making one save, completing two successful runs out, making one tackle and winning one duel, with these returns seeing the 28-year-old earn a SofaScore match rating of 7.3.

As such, while Archer is unlikely to oust the undisputed QPR number one, Seny Dieng, in the Preston clash this weekend, his return to the bench certainly strengthens Warburton’s options in the position – should the 59-year-old need to make a change between the sticks.

In other news: “Bright” £3.6m-rated QPR dynamo who made two key passes stole the show vs Birmingham