Brazilian reports claim West Ham have agreed a deal to sign Corinthians defender Fabian Balbuena, and he could be the dominant leader at the back the Hammers have been crying out of.

What’s the story?

According to Cesar Merlo of Tcy Sports, West Ham have agreed a deal with Corinthians to sign the towering centre back, who has six caps for Paraguay.

The fee is expected to be in the region of €4m (£3.5m), and the report goes so far as to say they have already agreed a four-year contract for the player

The official Corinthians club website has even released a statement thanking the 26 year-old for his services, and the player is now expected to undergo a medical for the Hammers.

David Sullivan has an infamous reputation for signing unknown South American players, but one would have to assume this is Pellegrini’s pick.

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What’s he like?

Balbuena earned his big move to Corinthians, one of the biggest clubs in Brazil, in 2016, and has been an absolute brick wall for them ever since.

The 6 ft 2 centre back is one of the toughest defenders you’ll ever come cross, and is well liked by Corinthians fans because of his tenacity and fight. He is never afraid to throw his body on the line for the cause, something that the fans in East London will love.

The Brazilian season is still in its infancy, but across the opening eight games the 26 year-old is winning three aerial duels per game and making over five clearances per game. He is an absolute beast in the air and is extremely vocal and commanding, which should help the Hammers fix their vulnerability from crosses.

As much as he is known for his rough and tumble defending, the big man can play as well, boasting an impressive 86 per cent pass success rate so far this season and completing over four long balls per game.

The step up to the Premier League will be steep, but Balbuena jumped to one of the biggest clubs in Paraguay as a youngster and transitioned to Corinthians seamlessly just a few years later. He is technically sound, tough, wears his heart on his sleeve, and may just be a future captain if he settles quickly in the Premier League. His leadership could also be all that’s required to get the best out of young Issa Diop.

So, West Ham fans, would you like to see a move for Balbuena? Or should you be targeting players from better leagues? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…

Leeds United have endured a tough transfer window this summer with the number of deals that have not gone their way, however, they may just be in for a little bit of positive news.

Marcelo Bielsa has been looking to strengthen his side since he arrived at Elland Road and has seen a number of planned moves for his main targets fall through for one reason or another.

The Argentine, who is keen to let some of his players depart as well, will be determined to keep hold of his stars and could be in for a boost of some sorts, with the news that one club is not interested in one of his defenders.

According to a report in the Express and Star, West Bromwich Albion are not considering a move for Pontus Jansson despite earlier claims that the Sweden international was on their radar.

The expected arrival of Kyle Bartley from Swansea City, a player that Leeds have missed out on this summer, seems to have cooled the Baggies interest in the World Cup defender and will leave Leeds feeling that they can breathe a little easier.

The Verdict:

Leeds will be pleased that the interest in Jansson has cooled as they know he has been one of their best players since arriving at Elland Road.

Things will now be looking a little better than they previously have been for the Whites as if they did lose the Swede, things surely would have been disastrous for Leeds this summer.

Leeds fans – thoughts?

Newcastle fans are furious at the latest transfer reports, after an update from The Chronicle basically said no deals are anywhere close.

Newcastle finally got a major deal over the line last week, as the Magpies secured the services of Kenedy on a season-long loan. The Brazilian winger joins Martin Dubravka on Tyneside, after the pair both played vital roles in keeping the side up last season.

While Kenedy was a much-needed addition, fans are already growing impatient over the lack of more signings, with no sign of a new striker coming through the door just yet.

Rafael Benitez is absolutely desperate for a new number nine this summer, with Aleksandar Mitrovic expected to leave the club and Dwight Gayle and Joselu simply not up to the task.

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The Magpies have been heavily linked with West Brom’s Salomon Rondon and Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend, both of which would add goals and energy up front.

It seems neither deal is close however, as Lee Ryder from the The Chronicle has quashed reports of advanced negotiations. You can find the full video here, but the report is a bit bizarre in truth, because it basically says nothing has happened and no deals are close.

It’s starting to feel all too familiar for the Toon Army, and they’re raging at this latest update. You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Steven Gerrard has made plenty of signings in the transfer window so far this summer in order to bolster his options ahead of his debut season in senior management, but he will be disappointed to have missed out on Harry Wilson. 

Gerrard has already raided his old club for two players in the transfer window, but it wasn’t to be third time lucky in his pursuit of Harry Wilson. The promising 21-year-old has joined Derby County on a season-long loan where he will play under Frank Lampard and bid to impress in the Championship once again next season.

Despite Wilson’s decision to join the Rams, Gerrard’s hunt for a winger full of flair and pace must continue, and a recent report from the London Evening Standard suggests a perfect alternative is available to sign this summer.

According to the report, Tottenham are willing to allow Marcus Edwards to leave the club this summer after failing to perform during a disastrous loan spell with Norwich City last season.

The erratic 19-year-old has been a subject of keen interest for Tottenham supporters ever since Mauricio Pochettino compared him with the multi-Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi in 2016.

Edwards was handed an opportunity to prove himself in the Championship last season following a January loan move, but he cut his time in East Anglia short after failing to break into the first-team.

Issues relating to his punctuality and respect for authoritative figures were widely cited as the main reasons for his unproductive move, which should be a notable cause for concern for any potential suitor.

However, the prospect of playing under a manager of Gerrard’s reputation may well appeal to Edwards at this stage in his career and help him to focus on his development.

The reason for Pochettino’s comparison to arguably the greatest player in the history of football relates to his style of play and physique rather than his potential: like Messi, Edwards is left-footed, possesses a low centre of gravity and thrives off dribbling at his opposite number.

His quality in this regard could add a devastating level of spark to Rangers’ play in the final-third next season if Gerrard is able to get the best out him and, considering Spurs are willing to let him leave the club this summer, Rangers would be foolish not to take a punt on the underachieving teenager.

Rangers fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

According to the Daily Mail, Borussia Dortmund have given permission for Andre Schurrle to arrange a move away from the club.

The report suggests that the Bundesliga giants are hoping to offload the 27-year-old in an effort to raise funds for the capture of Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace. Allegedly, this could result in a player plus cash deal between Dortmund and the Selhurst Park outfit.

Other clubs should still see this as an opportunity to sign the Germany international for themselves though.

Wolves boss, Nuno Espirito Santo, in particular, should be interested in bringing the Premier League winner to Molineux this summer.

The Breakdown

Shurrle, a World Cup winner in 2014, would be an ambitious target for Wolves. The club have gotten this far in recent times though precisely by signing hugely ambitious targets. The likes of Ruben Neves, Diego Jota, and Rui Patricio were all high profile signings, but Wolves were still able to get those deals over the line.

The arrival of Shurrle could mark the completion of Nuno’s attacking force heading into this Premier League campaign. If this deal were done, nobody would be looking forward to facing the top flight newcomers this term.

Schurrle, who is valued at £13.5 million by Transfermarkt, would bring versatility and depth to Wolves’ attacking contingent. Able to play through the middle or on either wing, the German would be guaranteed the regular football at Molineux that he has found hard to come by with Dortmund.

In return, Wolves would be guaranteed goals. If Nuno’s men truly are to take the Premier League by storm this season, then they’ll need all the goals they can get.

Tottenham fans have been discussing a move for Roma wonderkid Cengiz Under, and a whopping 79 per cent of fans want to bring him in.

Maybe it’s just the pain of waiting for some signings, but Spurs fans are absolutely convinced Under could add some extra firepower in North London, voting overwhelmingly to sign the 21 year-old.

The young Turk was actually heavily linked with a move to Tottenham last summer but joined Roma instead, where he has blossomed into one of Europe’s brightest young wingers.

Now, According to one major Turkish outlet, Mauricio Pochettino will go back in for the winger, rivalling Manchester United for his signature.

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Under already has four goals in ten Turkey caps, and his versatility, directness and excellent delivery will certainly appeal to Pochettino.

The report claims Roma will ask for €35m (around £31m) for their Turkish wonderkid, which would be worth every penny if he has a similar impact in North London as he has in Rome.

Fans clearly agree with that statement, as over three quarters voted to sign the youngster.

You can find the full poll results down below…

Crystal Palace seem to be leaving their transfer business late, so fans of the Eagles will have an eagle eye on developments at Selhurst Park. 

The South London outfit have completed the signing of Cheikhou Kouyate from West Ham for an undisclosed fee. This is the only signing, other than bringing in stopper Vicente Guaita on a free from Getafe, early in the window.

Crystal Palace fans will want more than just Kouyate, as a good a player as he is, to come into the club. The signing of Kouyate will go a long way to helping a threadbare Palace midfield, lacking in depth particularly since the exit of Yohan Cabaye. Following a torrent of injuries last season, Palace were at one point forced to deploy Jeffrey Schlupp as a defensive midfielder.

Up front there are also problems for the Eagles. Big Belgian forward Christian Benteke seriously struggled, netting just three Premier League goals. Goal scoring was a real issue for the SE25 club, and they were over-reliant on their talisman Wilfried Zaha.

With that in mind, surely Steve Parish cannot afford to not sign these two perfect Roy Hodgson players before deadline day….

Michail Antonio

Michail Antonio might find life a lot harder at West Ham United under Manuel Pellegrini. Indeed, with the Hammers backing their new coach to the hilt in terms of signings, the former Nottingham Forest man may struggle for much in the way of first-team football.

It wasn’t all too long ago that Antonio managed to work his way into the England squad, so the idea of him getting back to that sort of level at a team like Palace, who’d suit him down to the ground, isn’t unthinkable.

Antonio’s direct style would compliment the excellent Wilf Zaha on the other side, giving Hodgson a team with so many points of attack.

Divock Origi

Crystal Palace’s struggles with Christian Benteke have been well-documented. The Belgian hasn’t looked the same player for years now and the lack of firepower up front really does affect the Eagles, especially when Zaha doesn’t play.

With that in mind, a move for Liverpool’s Divock Origi would be a good idea. Surely out of the picture at Anfield, the former Lille man would be a more dynamic option up front than his compatriot and has proven to be a relatively good goalscorer when handed an extended chance.

West Ham United are considering a late move for Tottenham Hotspur flop Fernando Llorente, according to the Daily Mail.

What’s the word?

Plenty of new faces have come through the welcome gates at the London Stadium over the past few weeks, but there is an area of the pitch that needs some cover.

The Hammers only have until 5pm to finalise their business and possibly bring in a ninth signing.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini has strengthened in all thirds of the pitch, but with Andy Carroll on the sidelines for the next few months and Jordan Hugill moving to Middlesbrough, a new striker is necessary.

According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham’s Llorente has now emerged as a possible target.

The publication states that Spurs are open to either a loan or permanent deal, of which would cost West Ham around £7m.

Should the Hammers go for it?

Moving for the Spaniard is a risk for the East London outfit due to the fact that he had a poor season at Tottenham.

The 33-year-old, who is valued at £6.3m by Transfermarkt, started just one Premier League game and came off the bench in a further 15.

In that time, Llorente found the back of the net just once, which is not the most encouraging statistic for the Hammers.

If the former Juventus forward is given more game time at the London Stadium then perhaps his return will be better, but the club should avoid a permanent deal if possible.

Landing the striker on a loan arrangement means that there is less pressure for the transfer to work out, and it costs West Ham less money.

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Arsenal are open to offers for out of favour striker Danny Welbeck according to The Evening Standard.

What’s the story?

The Manchester United youth product headed to Arsenal in the summer of 2014 and went to make 80 Premier League appearances under Arsene Wenger, scoring 15 goals.

However, it appears the England international is not part of new boss Unai Emery’s plans after informing the striker that he will not be a regular and the club will listen to offers.

According to the article, Everton, Southampton and Bournemouth are interested in securing his services as the Gunners look to lower their wage bill, with Welbeck on a reported £115,000 per week.

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Time to sell

Welbeck only has one year left on his deal so Arsenal can’t command a massive fee for the World Cup player.

It’s clear that Emery prefers Alex Iwobi as backup after offering him a new contract this summer, and Arsenal need to offset the £71million they have spent on transfers this summer.

He is valued at £13.5million on Transfermarkt and if Emery is really looking to rebuild the Arsenal squad, it’s time to bid farewell to bit-part players like Welbeck.

Admit it, everyone loves a mascot!

From just walking around the stadium, posing for photos, doing charity work or silly antics, they add to the fans’ experience around the football club.

In the football league there have been some seriously weird and wonderful mascots that have taken to the pitch in order to support their team over the years.

Whether it’s the club’s heritage or just using the club’s nickname, we love mascots and feel like they should be championed.

In this article we take you through some of the best and worst mascots of all time.

Southend United – Sammy The Shrimp

Nicknamed The Shrimpers, it’s obvious to see why Southend United’s mascot is a shrimp that goes by the name of Sammy.

But what isn’t so apparent is the thinking behind this depiction of a shrimp. You really wouldn’t want to see this mascot without it’s kit on, more mole rat than shrimp!

Burton Albion – Billy the Brewer

If the primary role of a mascot is supposed to be represent the club as a whole, then surely Burton Albion fans can’t be pleased with Billy the Brewer as theirs.

At first we thought that Billy was a monkey, but no he’s not, which makes this effort ten times worse.

Yeovil Town –  Jolly Green Giant

There’s not much you can say about Jolly Green Giant, other than he is a giant, he’s green and he scares me.

Yeovil Town fans will of course argue he is just a friendly mascot, but he looks rather sinister if you ask me.

The fact he walks around with a child also in green is just weird too.

Grimsby Town –  The Mighty Mariner

To be fair to Grimsby, their nickname is the Mariners and they have a Mariner as their official mascot.

It’s just his disproportionate nose that is just all wrong, but before the Mighty Mariner, the club had Harry Haddock, a rainbow trout.

Cardiff City – Bartley Blue And Zoe

Luckily for Cardiff City fans, they no longer have to endure seeing super heroes Bartley Blue and Zoe Lou as their official mascots.

They brought in thanks to Vincent Tan, but luckily the club have decided to rightly have a Bluebird as their mascot named Bartley.

Southend United (Again)

As well as unveiling Sammy Shrimp, Southend also brought in the support of this guy.

If you didn’t know it was their mascot and knew it would be ‘sea related’, would you guess at an eel?

Probably not, but that’s what they went for, meet Elvis J Eel… the name makes it worse.