West Ham came close to signing Alex Song on a permanent deal from Barcelona but it seems clear that the Hammers dodged a bullet when he failed his medical, as he is now plying his trade in Djibouti.

What happened with Alex Song at West Ham?

Song was a Cameroonian midfielder who first came to prominence with Arsenal, where he would enjoy comfortably the best spell of his footballing career.

The Gunners would sign him from SC Bastia in 2004 and it didn’t take long for him to become a regular under legendary manager Arsene Wenger, making 204 appearances in total, in which he contributed ten goals and 23 assists.

This attracted the attention of Barcelona in 2012 and he would complete a move to the Catalan club in a deal worth £15m.

However, despite joining one of the best teams in history, it seems as if Song was motivated by money, rather than winning trophies and playing good football at the Nou Camp.

He admitted in a 2022 interview that he didn’t care that he wouldn’t feature in many games for the La Liga giants, suggesting that once he knew he would become a millionaire, the move was a no-brainer.

However, Barcelona decided quickly that Song wasn’t at the required level to play, as he managed just 65 appearances, before joining the Hammers on loan for the 2014/15 campaign.

After making 31 appearances in all competitions, Song had clearly done enough to impress and a deal was agreed for him to join permanently on a free transfer, but he failed his medical and instead re-joined for another year on loan.

However, his game time was severely limited that term, as he made just 12 appearances in the Premier League before returning to Spain the following summer, when he eventually got his move away from the club, joining Rubin Kazan on a free transfer.

The 35-year-old hardly set the world alight during his time in Russia, making just 23 appearances before a move to Switzerland with FC Sion, and later, rather bizarrely to AS Arta/Solar7 in Djibouti.

Considering how quickly his career has declined, as well as his own admission about being money motivated, it seems clear that West Ham dodged a bullet by only signing Song on loan, rather than a permanent transfer back in 2015.

Chelsea’s appointment of Graham Potter in the managerial role has not gone to plan, with the west London outfit currently tenth in the Premier League, level on points with Aston Villa, and facing a dizzying task in mounting a late charge toward Champions League qualification.

Indeed, Chelsea’s most recent match in the Premier League, a 2-0 defeat at the hands of heated rivals Tottenham Hotspur, left the Lilywhites perched a remarkable 13 points above their neighbours in fourth place, and given Potter’s record in charge of the Blues leaves him with a points-per-match (PPM) average of just 1.31, it certainly does not seem likely that a late surge will materialise, subsequently narrowing the currently towering gulf.

Bearing this in mind, there might just be fruit for owner Todd Boehly in his reported interest in signing a new man to lead from the dugout, with former Spain and FC Barcelona boss Luis Enrique earmarked as a replacement.

According to reports from Spain earlier this month, Enrique is indeed attracting attention from the Blues hierarchy, with the 52-year-old currently unemployed after resigning from his post as the head of the Spanish national team after falling to Morocco at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

What impact would Enrique’s appointment have on Reece James?

Enrique enjoyed heaps of success with Barcelona, and given his pedigree, the “headstrong” – as hailed by ESPN’s David Cartlidge – boss could be the perfect remedy to cure Chelsea’s current woes.

And with his prospective appointment, he could start to nurture and develop Chelsea’s expansive pool of talent to a new level, with thriving right-back Reece James perhaps benefitting more than most.

Hailed as ‘the complete full-back’ by one tactical analysis, James has become an integral component to his outfit over the past several seasons, scoring 11 goals and providing 20 assists from 139 appearances for Chelsea, notably winning the 2020/21 Champions League; the profound impact on his squad has been illuminated by recent reports that he is being prepared for the future captaincy role at the club, donning the armband against Tottenham on Sunday after Thiago Silva went off injured.

And considering James ranks among the top 9% of full-backs in Europe’s top divisions for goals, 7% for assists, 4% for progressive passes, 7% for successful take-ons and 7% for shot-creating actions per 90, he clearly boasts the acumen to solidify himself as one of Europe’s superlative forces in his position.

That said, he boasts just two goal involvements in the top flight this term from 11 matches, a far cry from the five goals and nine assists he managed last season.

Thus, the £250k-per-week phenom is far from his best but he could be re-born under Enrique, potentially even growing into a player of the illustrious Dani Alves’ mould, who the Spaniard managed over several seasons for La Blaugrana.

Indeed, Alves made 94 displays under the manager, recording an impressive 20 direct contributions and playing a starring role in the momentous and historic treble of 2014/15.

Lauded as one of the most renowned and revered full-backs of his generation, Alves’ offensive impetus and winning mentality are arresting elements to his game that could quite easily be attributed to James’ own, and as he continues to grow into his skin there is no reason why he cannot emulate an icon who played some of his best years thanks to Enrique’s winning formula.

Even Potter’s most stout supporters could not be incredulous if the former Seagulls boss was to be relinquished from his duties at the helm of the Chelsea ship, with no respite in sight from the woes that pile ever heavier with each passing match week.

With a manager of Enrique’s ilk waiting in the wings, Boehly might just swallow his pride and appoint a man who would be the club’s third permanent boss of the term.

Sheffield Wednesday reporter Joe Crann has shared an update on the club’s reported interest in youngsters Declan Turner and George Chmiel.

The Lowdown: Hillsborough speculation

Reporter Alan Nixon recently claimed (via Football League World) that the Owls are eyeing two youngsters in Australian defender Turner and Blackburn’s teenage attacker Chmiel.

Turner holds a British passport, which could help in terms of a move to Yorkshire, while Chmiel’s contract at Ewood Park is set to expire at the end of the season.

However, it doesn’t look as if the League One leaders are currently moving for both youngsters, with Crann providing an out-of-transfer window update.

The Latest: Crann’s post

The Star journalist Crann took to Twitter on Monday, sharing what he’s heard on both Turner and Chmiel in terms of potential moves to Sheffield Wednesday.

He said that The Owls are ‘having a look at’ the Australian but has been ‘told’ that there is no interest in the Blackburn forward at this moment in time.

Crann tweeted: “As has been reported, SWFC are having a look at teenage centre back, Declan Turner. The Australian defender is on trial at the club. I’m told that there’s no Wednesday interest in Blackburn Rovers youngster, George Chmiel, as things stand though.”

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The Verdict: One to watch?

It looks as if Turner could be the first out of the two youngsters to earn a deal at Hillsborough judging by this update, and he’ll be looking to impress on a short trial at Middlewood Road.

Chmiel could well be a target for the future, with the 18-year-old potentially on the lookout for another club in the summer. He has contributed to 18 goals in 38 games for Blackburn’s under-18s, so Sheffield Wednesday officials could look towards a move in the summer, where they’ll be hoping to once more be operating as a Championship club.

Newcastle United could reportedly drop Fabian Schar from their starting line-up next season as they plot a summer move for a new partner for Sven Botman.

The Lowdown: Unsung hero

Schar has been somewhat of an unsung hero for Newcastle this term, with Harry Redknapp claiming that he goes ‘under the radar’ in glowing praise of the central defender:

“He’s quick, good in the air and very composed on the ball. There’s not many better centre-half pairings than Schar and Botman.”

The partnership with Botman has seen the St. James’ Park outfit concede just 15 goals in the Premier League so far, by far the best defensive record in the division, and could be key to them qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next campaign.

The Latest: Schar to be dropped?

As per Football Insider, the North East club are plotting a move for a new centre-back partner for Botman this summer, which would in turn mean dropping Schar from the starting line-up.

They are hoping to qualify for the Champions League in order to unlock funds for a new ‘top-class’ centre-half, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie one mentioned as a potential target, while captain Jamaal Lascelles is expected to leave this summer.

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The Verdict: Very harsh

It would be very harsh on Schar to be dropped next term considering how impressive he has been on Tyneside.

Eddie Howe called him ‘hugely important’ upon him signing a new contract in 2022, and that is reflected in his performances, as he averages more aerial duels, interceptions, clearances and long balls per game than any of his team-mates in the Premier League, including Botman (WhoScored).

At 31 years of age, Schar will have to be upgraded on eventually, but this is perhaps a case for the Magpies of not trying to fix something that is not broken.

Everton are interested in a move for Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata, who has been a prolific presence in Serie A for many years and could prove to be the starring talisman for the Blues over the coming seasons…

What’s the latest on Duvan Zapata to Everton?

There was a desire to clinch Zapata in the closing stages of the January transfer window, according to TuttoMercatoWeb, with his contract set for expiry at the end of next season and Everton’s offensive struggles this season laid bare.

The Colombian talisman instead joined a long list of failed targets for the Merseyside outfit this winter, with the Toffees indeed the only Premier League outfit to fail to make a single signing, but negotiations might be revisited in the summer, according to recent claims from Tutto Atalanta.

The report claims that the forward is now deemed as expendable following his seasonal dip in form, with the emergence of prolific starlet Rasmus Højlund also a major factor behind the shift in mindset from the hierarchy.

Who is Duvan Zapata comparable to?

With Everton manager Sean Dyche perhaps yearning for a physical and dynamic forward presence, Zapata could be the man, with his track record over the past several seasons evidence of his worth.

Now 31 years old, Zapata has plundered 80 goals and 42 assists from 179 outings in Atalanta colours, but his recent fortunes have not been quite so fruitful, and he has only managed to score one goal from 17 outings this season.

The “bull”, as lauded by Juan Arango, would certainly bring the high-octane approach that is somewhat missing at Goodison Park this term, with his multi-dimensional attitude to his play only sure to enhance the collective Everton offensive efforts. 

While the Merseyside strugglers have attempted to muster concerted levels of attacking potency this season, it just hasn’t quite worked out, with the alarming 17 league goals scored this term the joint-lowest in the division, alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers.

And while the ace, hailed as “a freight train of a striker” and “one of the most prolific goal scorers in Europe” by journalist Matteo Bonetti, prides himself on his clinical nature, it is the all-encompassing scope of his game that could finally thread the Dyche-led attack towards prominence once more.

As per FBref, the £57k-per-week machine ranks among the top 15% of forwards across Europe for progressive passes, the top 7% for shot-creating actions and the top 17% for successful take-ons, and despite his decline in output this season, the overall efforts of his labours remain integral in contributing towards his outfit’s endeavours, as illustrated by the aforementioned statistics.

Tottenham Hotspur’s “world-class” striker Harry Kane – as lauded by Graeme Souness – is listed as the third most comparable player to the marksman, and it is clear to see why considering the versatility in offensive roles and the ability to bolster the fortunes of team-mates.

Kane ranks among the top 12% of forwards for assists, the top 10% for shot-creating actions and the top 3% for progressive passes, highlighting the creative similarities between the pair, and the 29-year-old record Spurs goalscorer has been one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers since bursting onto the scene years ago.

There is no question that standards have slipped for the 34-cap South American this season, but he has indeed been hampered by a niggling hamstring issue and he has boosts a wealth of pedigree in Italy, and with Dyche’s outfit ostensibly displaying early signs of awakening from their long slumber, Zapata could be the frontal acquisition, the cutting edge to ensure escaping the dreaded drop-zone becomes but a distant memory.

Leeds United suffered greatly during their 16-year stint in the Championship (and briefly League One), as this great club wallowed in the lower divisions for far longer than they were expected to after their 2004 relegation.

Whilst the Whites missed out on huge funds from not being in the Premier League, as well as the opportunity to challenge for Champions League spots which they had been competing in just years earlier, it also made the club a far less attractive proposition for current and prospective players.

Moving to Yorkshire to battle for promotion became a far less enticing proposition when top-flight clubs were involved, and over those years they lost a host of top talent due to their league status.

One such prospect who was not keen to stick around at Elland Road was Fabian Delph, who had come through the academy at the club and became a mainstay before his eventual sale.

His talent was too great to keep wallowing in League One, where his side had failed to earn promotion. As such, the youngster completed his £8m move to Aston Villa in 2009. 

Whilst the fee was impressive for a club at that level, it was a true indicator of just how far Leeds had fallen.

What happened to Fabian Delph?

It may have seemed like Simon Grayson had little say in the matter of his departure, but as a boyhood fan of the club there was surely reason to believe the now-33-year-old could have been tempted to stick around for another year or two.

Especially considering how he would go on to thrive at Villa Park, as the gem became a fine creative influence with a steely resolve in the engine room. He was even voted their player of the year in 2014, as his combinations with Christian Benteke became almost-legendary.

The apex of his career in the Midlands was arguably his winning goal over Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final, despite their hammering at the hands of Arsenal in the subsequent final.

His talent had then been recognised by the game’s elite, and his subsequent move to Manchester City gave him the opportunity to win two Premier League titles, three EFL Cups, and an FA Cup.

He truly enjoyed “an amazing career”, as former teammate Gabby Agbonlahor had branded it, but it all began in Leeds. Had he been convinced to give the club an extra year or so, the maestro could have been the catalyst to propel them back into the Premier League way ahead of their eventual 2020 return.

Whites supporters may look back at the situation and wonder what may have been as Delph’s success in the Premier League came too early for the progression of the club as a whole.

However, his immense talent, as backed up by his achievements at Villa and with Manchester City, could have played a role in getting Leeds to the top tier quicker than they did, in 2020, and that is why selling him at that time was a blunder by Grayson.

Erling Haaland has been praised for one thing he did against Newcastle as Man City ran out 2-0 winners at the Etihad this afternoon.

The Lowdown: City victorious…

The Blues secured a vital victory in their hunt for a third-successive Premier League crown, closing the gap on leaders Arsenal to just two points.

Phil Foden opened the scoring with a brilliant mazy run inside the first 45; taking four Newcastle players out of the equation with his close control before firing a deflected shot past Nick Pope.

City failed to grab the second for a long while and were nearly punished when Callum Wilson fluffed a close-range chance – with Joelinton later doing the same.

However, substitute Bernardo was then on hand to finally clinch all three points for Pep Guardiola – feeding off Haaland’s flick to hammer a shot into the far corner.

The Latest: Media hail Haaland after time-wasting…

In an effort to maintain City’s lead in stoppage time and keep his side up the pitch, Norway international Haaland was instrumental in winning corner after corner whilst frustrating the away side.

The striker won four corners in a row at one point whilst laughing to himself – even managing to get a Newcastle player booked in the process.

His play attracted praise from members of the media, who said:

They said:

“Erling Haaland doing it for the streets— back to back to back corner kicks Haaland at the heart of it. I know investors are happy.” – Thierry Nyan, journalist (via Twitter).

“Haaland’s hilarious.” – Jordan Elgott, BBC reporter (via Twitter)

“Grealish and Haaland having a bit of fun at these corners.” – Henry Winter, The Times (via Twitter)

“Haaland and Grealish had Newcastle on strings at that corner flag…” – Footy Accumulators, news account (via Twitter)

The Verdict: Different player…

Apart from being a proven and clinical goal scorer, Haaland is improving other aspects of his game as well, like his all-round link up play.

Members of the media also praised the former Dortmund star in regards to his general build up, and going by his actions at the corner flag, he appears to be working on the more subtle aspects of football like time-wasting.

Haaland grabbed an assist on a brilliant afternoon for City and now attention turns to Crystal Palace in one week’s time.

A shock report from Turkey has claimed that Alex Iwobi ‘wants to leave’ Everton, as he is ‘unhappy’ at the club, and Fenerbahce could sign him ‘shortly’.

The Lowdown: New contract?

It was only reported in February that Everton were ‘pressing ahead’ to tie Iwobi down to a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in 2024.

However, shock reports have emerged that he now wants to leave, and he could make an out-of-window move to Turkey, with their mid-season transfer window still open.

The Latest: Could leave ‘shortly’…

As per Turkish news outlet A Spor, Iwobi is ‘unhappy’ at Goodison Park, and ‘wants to leave’.

Fenerbahce could sign him ‘shortly’ on loan with an option to buy, and the Merseyside club are ‘working hard’ to get a deal done before their deadline day on Sunday.

Sean Dyche has actually responded to the rumours, claiming he believes an exit is ‘unlikely’.

The Verdict: Big shock

It would be a big shock if the report is true and Iwobi is set to leave over the next couple of days.

The Nigeria international has really stepped up this season, with his former manager Frank Lampard hailing his development as ‘brilliant’.

His form has continued under Dyche, as he is currently the highest assister in the squad, while he has also averaged more key passes per match in the Premier League than any of his team-mates (WhoScored).

The Toffees now have a huge decision to make, as they will not want to keep an unhappy player, and being the joint highest earner on £120,000-per-week, they have to weigh up whether it is worth letting Iwobi go that they currently find themselves in a relegation battle.

Newcastle United are bidding to end a staggering 68-year wait for a major domestic trophy as they take on Manchester United in the League Cup final this evening.

Their last one came in 1955, when they lifted the FA Cup, and Eddie Howe and his team now have a chance to etch their names into the history books with a win today.

The Magpies do, however, come into the match off the back of three matches without a win in the Premier League and lost their last outing, 2-0, to Liverpool at St. James’ Park.

This could be Howe’s most important team selection since he arrived at the club in 2021 and one player who must be unleashed from the start is centre-forward Callum Wilson.

Should Callum Wilson start in the League Cup final for Newcastle?

The England international was a substitute against the Reds last time out but should be brought back into the XI for this clash as the marksman is a proven goalscorer for the club and Alexander Isak could provide a huge threat off the bench.

Isak has scored once in his last five starts for the Magpies but has produced one goal and one assist in his last four appearances off the bench, which suggests that the Sweden international has the ability to make a significant impact as a substitute.

Wilson, meanwhile, scored in his last start – against West Ham – for Newcastle with the gem having been a prolific scorer for the club for many years.

The £46k-per-week dynamo has delivered seven goals and three assists in 14 Premier League starts this season. Last term, the forward managed eight goals in 16 starts and that came after he plundered 12 strikes and five assists in 23 starts during his debut campaign with the club after joining from Bournemouth in 2020.

These statistics show that the striker, who teammate Kieran Trippier dubbed “non-stop”, is a reliable scorer and creator for Newcastle at the top level.

Reach PLC editor Andrew Musgrove once hailed the Englishman’s “clinical edge” and his record in the Premier League since arriving from the Cherries backs that up, as the 30-year-old has 27 strikes to his name in 53 starts – more than a goal every other match.

The ex-Bournemouth man has proven his quality and his reliability over the course of his three seasons on Tyneside and Howe must reward the talent by unleashing him from the start at Wembley, which also allows Isak to be utilised as a super-sub off the bench.

An update has emerged on Liverpool and their interest in Alberto Moleiro ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Alberto Moleiro to Liverpool?

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the Reds are one of three teams in the race to sign the Spanish attacking midfielder from Las Palmas at the end of the season.

The report claims that fellow Premier League side Aston Villa and LaLiga giants Barcelona are also interested in snapping up the 19-year-old later this year.

It is stated that the Merseyside outfit, along with Unai Emery’s team, are prepared to pay Las Palmas’ €25m (£22m) asking price, although the gem’s release clause will rise to €60m (£53m) if they are promoted to the Spanish top-flight.

What is Alberto Moleiro’s style of play?

The 19-year-old Spaniard is a versatile attacking midfielder who excels at creating chances for his teammates. With that in mind, he could be Jurgen Klopp’s own version of Arsenal star Martin Odegaard.

Mikel Arteta’s side are top of the Premier League table and the Norway international has been a crucial cog in their well-oiled machine as a creative presence in the middle of the park.

He has averaged an impressive Sofascore rating of 7.40 – the second-best in their squad – across 25 appearances in the division – creating 12 ‘big chances’ and making 2.4 key passes per match.

The former Real Madrid playmaker has racked up 0.25 assists per 90 and Moleiro, who has managed 0.37 assists per 90 in the Spanish second division this term, could develop into a similarly creative threat in midfield.

Las Palmas, like Arsenal, currently lead their league and the teenage wizard has played a significant role in their success to date as the gem has created 11 ‘big chances’, 1.7 key passes per game, and eight assists in 23 starts in LaLiga 2.

Meanwhile, no Liverpool central midfielder has created more than 1.2 key passes per match or more than Harvey Elliott’s seven ‘big chances’ created.

These statistics show that the Spanish magician, whose touch was described as “silky” by scout Jacek Kulig, excels at creating opportunities for his teammates from an attacking midfield, eight, or wide position, much like Odegaard does for the Gunners week-in-week-out in the Premier League.

At the age of 19, Moleiro would not come in as a player who should be expected to make an immediate or significant impact on the team but the gem could be a long-term prospect with the potential to grow into Klopp’s own version of the Norweigan star.

He is yet to test himself outside of the second tier in Spain and it is impossible to tell how the creator would adapt to life in England. Still, his statistics this season indicate that there is a talented player there for Liverpool to develop in the coming years.