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West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek desperately needs to recapture his excellent past form to aid the Hammers’ struggles, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The Lowdown: Soucek suffers dip

The Czech has been a superb signing for the east Londoners overall, arriving from Slavia Prague in 2020 and becoming a hugely influential figure. Declan Rice has called him ‘unbelievable’ in the past, such is his quality.

That being said, Soucek’s performances of late have been a far cry from his former displays, with only one goal coming his way so far this season, and his all-round ability flattering to deceive.

It has undoubtedly played a negative role in West Ham sitting 18th in the Premier League table, in what has been a poor start to the campaign.

The Latest: Journalist makes plea

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Brown said Soucek needs to get back to his best in order to help the Hammers get over this current slump:

“He really needs to start producing. Because they didn’t sign a major name in his position, I don’t think his position is too under threat now at West Ham.

“Maybe that’s a bit too cosy and safe for him, but he certainly needs to start performing.”

The Verdict: He will be back

All footballers are only human, so Soucek’s noticeable dip is something that can happen to anyone and it shouldn’t lead to overreactions from supporters.

There is no doubt that the 27-year-old is a shadow of the player who netted 10 league goals in 2020/21, however, with opponents struggling to handle his physicality and aerial dominance.

Soucek is too good a player not to return to his peak level at some point – David Moyes will certainly be hoping it is soon, though, as pressure grows on him by the week.

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Arsenal could seal a deal for Youri Tielemans quickly if they make an offer before the end of the week.

The Lowdown: Tielemans’ uncertain future

The 25-year-old was omitted from Leicester City’s starting XI for their Premier League game against Southampton last weekend, with Brendan Rodgers admitting that the Belgian wasn’t in the right frame of mind to play amid speculation over his future.

Mikel Arteta is believed to have identified the Foxes star as his number one midfield target, though the Gunners are yet to make an official bid.

The King Power outfit put a £40m valuation on the maestro’s head earlier in the window, though this has now been reduced to £38m as a result of entering the final year of his contract, boosting Edu’s chances of securing the Belgium international.

The Latest: Arsenal could land Tielemans

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones revealed that Arsenal could finalise a deal for Tielemans in the next 72 hours if they meet Leicester’s asking price.

“Brendan Rodgers knows that Tielemans is still seeking a move to a bigger club, so he was trying to protect his team by leaving him out.

“It didn’t really work out, but I am told he could still leave this week if the offer from Arsenal finally lands.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Leicester will be under a considerable amount of pressure to sell Tielemans this window to ensure he doesn’t leave for free next summer, so Arsenal should take advantage and put everything they have got into getting this deal wrapped up.

The 52-cap international made 12 goal contributions in all competitions for the Foxes last season, and averaged 1.8 shots and 1.2 key passes per top-flight game, via WhoScored, showing the creative outlet he adds to a team.

Arteta lacks squad depth in the midfield, so the Spaniard will be hoping that an agreement can be reached to bring Tielemans to the Emirates before September 1.

Aston Villa could end the transfer window with a bang by signing Ryan Kent…

What’s the word?

With the transfer window open for another three weeks, the Midlands outfit could yet secure some more fresh faces to bolster Steven Gerrard’s squad and according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Rangers winger would be a game-changer for the club.

“I think we saw the best of Ryan Kent under Steven Gerrard and I’m sure Gerrard would be confident that he would get the best out of Kent as well if he was able to bring them to Aston Villa,” he told GIVEMESPORT.

“He’s a potential game changer, Ryan Kent, on his day, a really skilful, tricky winger who can score goals, create goals as well. So I’m sure it’d be a signing that would excite the fans as well with this style of play. I think it could be a win-win situation.”

Villa were linked with a move soon after the former Liverpool midfielder arrived in the dugout at Villa Park and it’s believed that he has a £20m release clause at the 2020/21 Scottish champions.

A huge coup

Gerrard and Kent were together for that very triumph and in that campaign, the 24-year-old winger delivered an eye-catching 13 goals and 15 assists at a rate of one direct goal contribution every 152 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

He continued that fine form without his former boss last campaign, where he delivered two goals and 20 assists on the Gers’ run to the Europa League final.

Kent has consistently delivered so it could well be time for a return to the big time and Villa do need to find some creativity and threat in front of goal from somewhere.

According to journalist Andrew Dickson, the Rangers star is “completely unplayable” on his day, whilst Ibrox teammate Leon Balogun is a “wizard” on the wings, as he claimed to ‘The Beautiful Game’ podcast.

This sort of presence could be exactly what Gerrard needs to inject life back into Villa’s season, having won just two of their last 12 matches and after firing a blank against AFC Bournemouth at the weekend, it’s clear that the manager needs another attacking option.

If Johan Lange can secure Kent before deadline day on September 1st, then he could end the summer with a bang.

AND in other news, Villa dealt setback in race to sign “complete” £34m midfielder, it’s a blow for Gerrard…

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has shared more details on the club’s pursuit of Joel Robles.

The Lowdown: Robles linked with Leeds

Graham Smyth was the first journalist to break the news when it came to Leeds and Robles, revealing on Thursday that the free agent was set to sign for the Whites next week.

Reports in Spain then stated that goalkeeping coach Marcos Abad was helping Victor Orta when it came to the move, with an agreement thought to have been reached.

It looks like those claims are accurate, with Hay sharing what he knows ahead of a likely transfer.

The Latest: Hay’s update

Hay shared a story for The Athletic on Saturday to provide some transfer news ahead of Leeds’ Premier League opener against Wolves.

The reliable reporter revealed that an initial one-year deal has been agreed and that Robles will undergo a medical in time to train with the squad ahead of next weekend’s trip to Southampton. Hay is expecting a move to go through on Monday.

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The Verdict: Good news

Illan Meslier is firmly first choice under Jesse Marsch, helping the Whites to a first win of the season on Saturday with some superb saves.

However, the Frenchman is now the oldest ‘keeper on the books at Elland Road at the age of 22 after Kiko Casilla officially left the club.

Therefore, bringing in Robles for an initial 12 months to help Meslier in and around Thorp Arch seems like sensible business from Orta, and hopefully he’ll have a few more deals up his sleeve over the coming weeks for a new left-back and a forward.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has delivered his verdict on the speculation surrounding the future of Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha. 

The lowdown: Zaha linked with Palace exit…again

Seemingly perennially linked with a move away from Selhurst Park ever since returning from an abortive spell at Manchester United, the Ivory Coast international is now into the final 12 months of his contract in southeast London and could be facing an uncertain future with the Eagles.

The 29-year-old is yet to enter negotiations with the Palace board over a new deal, and the club’s hierarchy are fearful of losing a player who has directly contributed to 156 goals in 429 Eagles appearances for nothing next summer.

Following a recent report from TuttoMercatoWeb claiming that Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma were interested in signing Zaha this summer, one well-informed onlooker has had his say on the influential forward’s future…

The latest: ‘Name popping up’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke suggested that Patrick Vieira will be ‘desperate’ to retain the services of the 28-cap Ivorian at Selhurst Park.

He said: “It wouldn’t be a transfer window without Wilfried Zaha’s name popping up as he gets linked probably every summer.

“But Vieira will be desperate to keep him, he’s trying to build something at Crystal Palace right now and Zaha is one of the more experienced players at Selhurst Park, while he’s got all of the younger players around him as well.”

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Finishing the 2021/22 season as the top scorer for Vieira’s side with 15 goals (along with two assists), almost twice as many as Conor Gallagher in second, Zaha’s continued importance at Selhurst Park remains abundantly clear.

Now perhaps seen as the club’s stalwart, having one time been their rising sensation, the skilful winger – who was once dubbed as an ‘incredible talent’ by former Palace owner Simon Jordan – will be looked upon to nurture the likes of Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and new summer signing Malcolm Ebiowei to develop further.

In that case, to avoid losing such a talismanic figure without an incoming transfer fee, chairman Steve Parish, sporting director Dougie Freedman and the rest of the Palace board should be doing everything in their power to tie down the £34.2m-valued star to fresh terms.

Leeds United’s pre-season will be a crucial one for manager Jesse Marsch, ahead of his first full campaign at Elland Road.

So far this summer, Leeds have welcomed new signings Marc Roca, Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Darko Gyabi, and Tyler Adams – Marsch will be desperate to bed them in ahead of the Premier League season kicking off, with this summer’s run of fixtures his best opportunity to do so. 

Meanwhile, fans will be eager to see the new signings in action throughout pre-season. And with that in mind, we’ve outlined how Leeds United fans can watch every game of the club’s pre-season this summer.

Leeds United’s pre-season schedule

Thursday 7 July 7:00pm BST: Leeds vs Blackpool

Leeds face newly-promoted Blackpool today but the game won’t be held at Elland Road. Instead, it will take place at the LNER Stadium in York. Tickets are all-but sold-out, however it can also be watched on LUTV.

Thursday 14 July 10:45am BST: Brisbane Roar vs Leeds United 

Kicking off Leeds United’s Australian tour is a trip to Brisbane to face Brisbane Roar at the Cbus Super Stadium. The Yorkshire club will be hoping to put on a show in front of the fans watching in Australia, and those watching online.

Sunday 17 July 5:35am: Aston Villa vs Leeds United 

Next up in Australia is a game against fellow Premier League side Aston Villa. Leeds fans have an early start, with kick off scheduled for 5:35am BST. The game is set to take place at Suncorp Stadium. 

Friday 22 July 11:05am: Leeds United vs Crystal Palace 

To end their tour of Australia, Leeds will face another Premier League side in the form of Crystal Palace. Kick off at Optus Stadium is scheduled for 11:05am BST. The Yorkshire club will be hoping to see off their tour with a victory. 

Sunday 31 July 6pm BST: Leeds United vs Cagliari 

Ending their pre-season at Elland Road, Leeds will square off against Cagliari, with kick off scheduled for 6pm BST. Fans can watch the game on LUTV, where they will be hoping to see a Leeds side with the sharpness of a team ready for another Premier League campaign.

How to watch Leeds United’s pre-season games

Every friendly will give us a small insight to how Leeds cope without Kalvin Phillips, whilst also seeing how the fresh faces fit into Marsch’s system. It will certainly be an interesting pre-season, and one you can watch on LUTV by either buying every game separately for £4.99 each or in one bundle for £19.99.

The likelihood of Sadio Mane leaving Liverpool this summer is ‘increasing’ all the time, according to fresh transfer reports.

The Lowdown: Mane expected to leave

The 30-year-old’s Reds adventure looks set to be coming to an end this summer, following a glittering six years at Anfield.

Mane has matured into one of the world’s best attacking players and he is thought to be looking for another big challenge before his best days are behind him.

Bayern Munich now look almost nailed-on to sign the Senegal forward, with the Bundesliga giants aiming to replace the seemingly exit-bound Robert Lewandowski.

The Latest: Mane transfer latest

According to reports from Sport BILD and Sky Sports Germany [via Sport Witness], the chances of Mane completing a move to Bayern are ‘increasing’ by the day.

Liverpool are ‘prepared to hand over’ the attacking superstar, with Darwin Nunez seemingly coming in as his direct replacement from Benfica.

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The Verdict: Only a matter of time

There is no surprise about this update, in truth, with Mane’s exit now looking almost inevitable considering that Nunez appears to be closing in on a big-money switch to Anfield.

It is hard to begrudge the Senegal legend a new challenge at this stage of his career, having given every ounce of quality and energy to the Reds since 2016, scoring 120 goals and winning six trophies for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

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In fact, Liverpool could end viewing this as a shrewd summer in the transfer market, with 22-year-old Nunez a much younger (and hugely potent) option and 30-year-old Mane possibly past the absolute peak of his powers.

In other news, Liverpool are interested in signing an emerging player. Find out who it is here

Aston Villa are ‘unlikely’ to sign Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski this summer, according to Gregg Evans.

The Lowdown: Tarkowski linked with Villa

Villa have been hard at work prior to the transfer window officially opening, making Philippe Coutinho’s loan move permanent and putting deals in place to sign Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos.

The latter isn’t the only centre-back on Villa’s radar, though, with the Midlands club being linked with Rangers’ Calvin Bassey as well as Tarkowski.

Sky Sports revealed last week that Villa held talks with the Burnley defender ahead of a possible move, with reports even suggesting that Steven Gerrard was desperate for the club to get a move over the line, believing there isn’t a better deal to be struck all summer for the soon-to-be free agent due to his Premier League experience (194 top-flight outings).

The Latest: Evans’ update on Tarkowski

The Athletic recently stated that Villa were the early favourites when it came to securing Tarkowski’s services.

However, Evans took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to reveal that a move to Villa Park for the 29-year-old is now ‘unlikely’.

The Verdict: All-in for Bassey?

With Tarkowski potentially morning elsewhere, Villa may now look to go all-in for Bassey. Gerrard knows the player well after working with the Nigerian at Ibrox following a move from Leicester.

Bassey starred in the final months of the 2021/22 campaign, catching the eye in the Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt. The 22-year-old would provide an option at both centre-back and left-back, and with reports previously hinting that a move to Villa was close, it could be one to watch closely once more.

In other news: ‘Brutal’ – NSWE now closing in on another Villa signing for Gerrard after Carlos; pundit fuming 

Manchester United have had nothing short of a terrible season. With a managerial change, failing to mount a title challenge or even finish in the top five and nowhere close to claiming any of the domestic cups, it has been a campaign to forget for the Old Trafford faithful.

New manager Erik ten Hag faces a massive job in the summer with rebuilding the squad and getting the players to buy into his ideologies ahead of what could be their most important season in recent memory.

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One area of the squad which urgently needs prioritising is the defence. United have conceded 56 goals in the Premier League alone, the second-highest total of the teams in the top half of the table.

A rejig of the defence during the transfer window will likely be the main aim for Ten Hag, and the club have shown interest in the Inter Milan centre back Milan Skriniar, according to Italian news outlet Calciomercato. It’s worth noting, however, that Chelsea and Tottenham are also interested in the player.

The 27-year-old would be a major upgrade on Eric Bailly – who has been dubbed “rash” by Trevor Sinclair in the past – and also has the experience of winning trophies at Inter over the previous couple of seasons.

Axe Bailly, sign Skriniar

Bailly has spent a lot of the past two years sidelined through injury, but comparing the two players on last season’s performances shows that Skriniar would be the much better option.

The Slovakian registered more tackles, blocks and interceptions (55, 48 and 27 respectively) in 2020/21 compared to the United defender (nine, 17 and 22 respectively), although Bailly played fewer matches during the season.

Skriniar is the highest-rated Inter defender on WhoScored this season, with an average rating of 6.82, and someone of his presence at the heart of the Red Devils’ defence is exactly what Ten Hag will be after, especially with Graham Roberts lauding the 27-year-old as “absolutely brilliant” during Euro 2020 last year.

This seems like the ideal opportunity for the new United manager to axe the unreliable Bailly for good and instead replaced him with a tank of a centre-back in Skriniar.

AND in other news, Man United nearing the signing of “magic” £58m “unicorn”, he’s Modric 2.0

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is set to be out of action for around three weeks with a hamstring injury, journalist James Pearce reports.

The Lowdown: Henderson picks up injury

The Reds have suffered a host of injury problems so far this season, losing key figures such as Ibrahima Konate, Thiago and Diogo Jota for extended periods of time.

Another player who is now absent is Henderson, who picked up a hamstring issue in last week’s 2-1 victory at home to Newcastle United in the Premier League.

There were fears that the 32-year-old could be missing for a long time but a new update isn’t quite as negative.

The Latest: Pearce provides update

Taking to Twitter on Monday, The Athletic‘s Pearce confirmed that Henderson would miss approximately three weeks of action:

“Jordan Henderson expected to be out for around 3 weeks with hamstring injury. Scan confirmed damage only minor.”

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The Verdict: Short-term blow

In truth, Henderson could have easily been sidelined for somewhere more in the region of six weeks, given the potential severity of hamstring injuries, so this feels like a slight positive.

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With an international break coming up later this month, the timeline suggests the skipper will miss games against Napoli, Wolves, Ajax and Chelsea, before returning after the internationals.

Granted, Henderson’s form this season has been poor but he remains an important figure who can help wrestle some momentum into Liverpool’s stuttering campaign upon his return.