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Former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has described strong recent criticism of West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek as a ‘joke’ and a ‘disgrace’.

The Lowdown: Soucek struggling for form

The Hammers have made a poor start to the Premier League season, struggling to repeat last term’s efforts, with a number of key players seeing their performance levels dip.

Soucek could be considered one of those, failing to enjoy his usual influence in midfield as his WhoScored rating dropped from 6.97 last season to 6.82 so far this term amid calls for him to be dropped, and also earning negative reviews during international duty with the Czech Republic.

He has been branded ‘completely useless’ by a Czech outlet, summing up his current struggles for both club and country.

The Latest: Kenny fumes at Soucek criticism

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny lambasted the negativity towards Soucek from his homeland, defending him in the process.

The former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper said:

“For your own papers to call you useless is a disgrace. He’s not useless. Players have bad games. Everyone in the world has had a bad day at work, we are all human beings at the end of the day.

“I’m not having that for one minute, it’s a joke. Your own papers too. On West Ham, they faded away at the back of last season, it started then. Last year they should have bought a striker and things might have looked better. I think it’s a snowball effect.

“They haven’t been the West Ham we have seen of last year and it’s not just Soucek. A lot of the players haven’t improved.”

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The Verdict: He will come good

Every footballer goes through a tough spell in their career where their form suffers, so there should be no overreaction towards Soucek’s dip this season.

West Ham certainly need the 27-year-old back to his best as soon as possible, but there should be confidence that it will happen, with the Czech stalwart having been hailed by Jamie Carragher as the Hammers’ “most important player” in the past.

It’s a fair shout by the Sky Sports pundit, as the midfielder has chipped in with 15 goals over the last two full Premier League seasons, standing out as a big performer for the Irons.

The hope is that Soucek’s resurgence starts at home to Wolves on Saturday evening, when Moyes’ men return to Premier League action with a must-win game against another struggling outfit.

Celtic picked up their first Champions League point of the season so far against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday evening, although it was largely another tale of frustration for the Hoops as they yet again missed a catalogue of chances.

Having spurned notable openings during a dominant first-half performance against holders Real Madrid last week, Ange Postecoglou’s side again lacked that much-needed ruthlessness in front of goal against the Ukrainian outfit, as they were forced to walk away with just a draw in Warsaw.

A typically electric opening from the Old Firm outfit resulted in Reo Hatate guiding the ball home via a deflection from Artem Bondarenko, albeit with Igor Jovicevic’s men hitting back midway through the first-half courtesy of a brutal, breakaway finish from danger man Mykhaylo Mudryk.

The ‘hosts’ almost went one better before the break as former Parkhead flop Marian Shved saw his clinical effort ruled out for offside, albeit with the second period largely dominated by the Scottish champions as they probed for a winner.

Substitute pair Giorgos Giakoumakis and Daizen Maeda notably missed big opportunities to nudge in front late on, while talisman Jota twice went close after weaving his way into the opposition penalty area.

While the three points ultimately alluded the Glasgow side on the night, one man who notably stood out as a key performer was relentless full-back, Greg Taylor, with the Scotland international offering a real potent threat down the left flank.

As teammate Josip Juranovic struggled to contend with the lively Mudryk at right-back, Taylor looked at ease from his defensive berth, with his front foot approach seeing him routinely win back possession ahead of his opponent.

That is illustrated by the fact that he completed two interceptions and won three tackles in a solid 90-minute display, having also been heavily involved in proceedings at both ends of the pitch as he racked up 98 touches – the third most of any player on the pitch.

The 24-year-old notably fizzed a pull-back across the box early on which narrowly alluded his teammates, while the former Kilmarnock man also teed up Giakoumakis with a threaded pass into the box, only for the Greek striker to somehow curl his effort wide.

As Football Scotland journalist Euan Robertson wrote in his post-match player ratings, the seven-cap gem produced a ‘really impressive performance’ overall, having ‘looked at home’ on the European stage.

Such a display continues what has been a fine start to the new season for the diminutive menace, having been lauded as “very, very consistent” by colleague Matt O’Riley earlier this term.

Amid what was a positive, yet perhaps somewhat disappointing encounter, Taylor truly did shine for Postecoglou and co.

Nottingham Forest are back in action today as they prepare for their fourth Premier League game of the season, welcoming high-flying Tottenham Hotspur to the City Ground.

The Tricky Trees boast a mixed but satisfactory start to the season, with a win, draw and defeat apiece, although a win today would see them draw level on points with the Lilywhites.

Steve Cooper’s men recorded an impressive 1-1 draw against Everton last week, thus proving that the victory against West Ham United six days previously was no flash in the pan.

They will be looking to frustrate Antonio Conte’s side, who narrowly defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.

The 42-year-old again has some injuries to contend with, along with plenty more new signings to consider integrating into his team.

With that in mind, here’s the starting XI that we’re predicting today for the Reds…

There could be as many as ten changes from the Forest side which swept Grimsby aside in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

In goal, the usual number one Dean Henderson is set to continue after his stellar display against the Toffees last week. It would also be a surprise to see any of the back five change from the Everton game, as Moussa Niakhate still seems unlikely to return after he was forced off against the Hammers.

With Cooper being coy on the severity of that injury, Steve Cook will likely continue alongside Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna, all of whom were rested in midweek, as were wing-backs Harry Toffolo and Neco Williams.

The midfield is where we are likely to see the only bit of consistency from the team which faced Grimsby, as Remo Freuler has finally had his introduction with a full 90 minutes on Tuesday. We could see him handed his Premier League debut alongside Lewis O’Brien today.

The “special” Morgan Gibbs-White could also be handed a start, as he impressed off the bench against Everton last weekend. He was involved with some neat touches, racking up 20 in just under half an hour on the pitch; he could replace the toothless Jesse Lingard, who did not record a single shot at Goodison Park.

Brennan Johnson and Taiwo Awoniyi will likely come back in after their midweek rests, although Emmanuel Dennis will surely be ready to battle with them now that he has had his club debut against Grimsby.

Tottenham Hotspur are one of the teams looking at Memphis Depay…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian journalist Gerard Romero, who delivered a fresh update on the Dutchman’s situation at Barcelona to his Twitch channel, where he revealed that Spurs and Serie A giants Juventus are two likely destinations for the forward.

The 28-year-old is expected to leave the Nou Camp on a free transfer, as revealed by Fabrizio Romano last week, who tweeted:

“Excl: Barcelona and Memphis Depay lawyers are in negotiations to reach an agreement on free agency. No way for €20m fee. Depay will accept to leave Barça only in case he’ll find the right option for his future.

“Memphis Depay will only consider top clubs.”

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Free agent bargain

That means the former Manchester United man may not cost the Lilywhites’ owners, the ENIC Group, a penny in terms of a transfer fee as Barcelona will be desperate to get his wages off the books.

And just like with Ivan Perisic, sporting director Fabio Paratici and his recruitment staff could seal another free transfer masterclass.

Another forward may be the least of manager Antonio Conte’s priorities, having added the £60m acquisition of Richarlison to a frontline containing Harry Kane, Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Moura, but another option would add serious depth and quality to the squad, especially when they could be available for nothing.

The north Londoners will also be competing in the Champions League this season and in a World Cup year, rotation could be imperative heading into the second half of the season – at least if Spurs are aiming to end their trophy hoodoo.

Depay may have struggled in the Premier League before but that came at an early time in his career.

Since then, he has bagged 19 goals in 36 appearances in 2017/18, then 20 goals across 37 league matches in 2020/21, both for Lyon, and even finished last season as Barca’s top goalscorer, despite losing his place to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

It’s no wonder he has been lauded as a “special talent” by Dutch legend Marco van Basten, who certainly knows a thing or two about goalscoring himself.

Not only does he offer goals, though, as he ranks inside the top 1% of all forwards across Europe for passes attempted (48.11 per 90), as well as the top 3% for progressive carries (7.37 per 90), showing that he can get on the ball and help provide for his teammates, whether that be through a pass or a drive through the defensive line, as per FBref.

With Depay valued at €40m (£34m) by CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis, it’s clear that signing him on a free would be an absolute bargain, not to mention his aforementioned credentials.

As such, the Dutchman would be a pretty good depth option for Conte this season but they’ll have to beat Juventus to his signature.

AND in other news, Paratici can seal “incredible” Maddison alternative in Spurs bid for “special” target…

Journalist Alan Nixon has revealed that Sunderland could now sign another goalkeeper.

The Lowdown: Simms to sign?

It has been reported that Everton striker Ellis Simms will sign for the Black Cats on loan as early as today, as they continue their spending spree having already captured deals for Daniel Ballard, Leon Dajaku, Jack Clarke, Aji Alese and Alex Bass.

They have been linked with a move for former Premier League goalkeeper turned free agent Joel Robles, so their incomings may not stop there.

The Latest: Another goalkeeper?

Replying to a supporter on Twitter asking if the Wearside club are looking to bring in another goalkeeper, Nixon said:

“Possible…but where does that leave Patterson?”

The Verdict: Focus on other positions

The Stadium of Light outfit have already brought in a new goalkeeper in Bass, and with Anthony Patterson in the squad as well, they do not really need to be signing anyone else in that position for now.

Instead, they could strengthen in the left-back, defensive and attacking midfield positions, as they appear short in those areas of the pitch.

Nonetheless, if Neil can bring in all of his targets, including another attacking option in Simms, then SAFC could then turn their attentions to signing another ‘keeper to cover for Patterson and Bass, with Robles one that looks to be on their radar at the moment.

Nottingham Forest are on the verge of signing Huddersfield Town duo Lewis O’Brien and Harry Toffolo, according to reliable journalist John Percy.

The Lowdown: Huddersfield pair linked

Steve Cooper’s side are edging towards their return to Premier League action, with the beginning of the 2022/23 season now less than three weeks away.

It has been a productive summer so far in the transfer window for Forest, and two players who have been strongly linked with moves to the City Ground are O’Brien and Toffolo.

It now looks as though it is simply a matter of time until the Huddersfield duo are unveiled as the Reds’ latest summer signings.

The Latest: Moves nearly completed

Taking to Twitter on Sunday evening, Percy stated that O’Brien and Toffolo have agreed moves to Forest for around £10m, with medicals now imminent.

The reporter tweeted:

“#nffc have today agreed a double deal with #htafc to sign midfielder Lewis O’Brien and left-back Harry Toffolo. Fee for both players around the £10m mark before add-ons etc. O’Brien and Toffolo due for medicals on Monday.”

The Verdict: Great additions by Cooper

These are two exciting pieces of business by Cooper, with O’Brien and Toffolo proving to be influential figures for Huddersfield, helping them to reach the Championship playoff final against Forest back in May.

The former’s spiky, technically sound presence in midfield can be a great addition for the Reds, having started 46 league games last season and averaged 2.1 tackles and 2.1 dribbles per match, ranking as the Terriers’ second-best player in the campaign according to WhoScored.

Meanwhile, Toffolo is a vibrant attacking left-back who racked up six goals and eight assists last term, so he should bring an extra attacking spark to Cooper’s team.

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Ola Aina to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claim that both Leeds and Nottingham Forest are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Torino full-back ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

Leeds were linked with a €10m move for the 25-year-old as recently as January, however, Marcelo Bielsa ultimately decided against submitting a bid for the Nigeria international.

Orta could form an “unbelievable” duo

While it is true that Aina has spent the majority of his career playing as a right-back, considering the former Chelsea starlet’s ability to comfortably operate on the opposite flank, it is not difficult to understand why Orta is once again interested in a deal to bring the former Chelsea starlet to Elland Road this summer.

With left-back being something of a problem position in Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad heading into Leeds’ 2022/23 campaign, Aina would very much appear to make a fantastic addition to the 48-year-old’s options on the left of his back for next term.

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Indeed, over his 21 Serie A fixtures – £6m-rated talent was in impressive attacking form for Il Toro, creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.5 shots, making 0.8 key passes and completing 0.9 dribbles per game.

The £24k-per-week full-back who Michael Oti Adjei dubbed “unreal” and Nizaar Kinsella labelled “unbelievable” also impressed at the back, making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 1.2 clearances and winning 4.3 duels – at a success rate of 54% – per outing.

And, with Junior Firpo having endured a torrid debut campaign at Elland Road last time out, and Leeds having already secured the signing of the extremely promising and attack-minded right-back Rasmus Kristensen this summer, the prospect of Aina lining up on the opposite flank to the Denmark international next season will certainly be an incredibly exciting one for the Elland Road faithful.

As such, we believe that Orta simply must do everything he can to land the Nigeria international ahead of Nottingham Forest this summer, especially if the 25-year-old is available for as little as £9m.

AND in other news: Leeds now leading race for “indispensable” £25m target, it’d be an “amazing signing”

Frank Lampard is working on his first full transfer window at Everton since joining the club on Deadline Day back in January, and the club has now been linked with another potential target.

What’s the latest?

According to Portuguese newspaper Record (14 June, p.g 13) Everton are one of the clubs interested in signing Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi.

As per the report, the Toffees join a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing the Nigerian player this summer with Fulham, Brighton and Crystal Palace named as potentially interested parties.

Lampard will love him

There is a desperate need for improvements in the squad following a difficult relegation battle for Everton, and with Sanusi’s experience on the left side of the back-line at Champions League level, Lampard would surely love to add him to the squad.

The dynamo who reportedly has a £43m release clause has been impressing for Porto over the last season during his 24 appearances in the Primeira Liga.

Sanusi who was dubbed “superb” by one journalist on Twitter, scored three goals, made 1.3 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and won 3.5 duels on average per game, as well as completing an impressive 88% accuracy in his own half from his position as left-back.

The 25-year-old was also a solid performer in Europe last term for his Portuguese club making six appearances but the side was unable to get out of their difficult group with quarter-finalists Atletico Madrid and finalists Liverpool.

Lampard will be looking for a new left-back to add depth to the position after Jonjoe Kenny left the club on a free transfer this week leaving only Vitaliy Mykolenko to hold the fort on the left side, so the club should be keen to make a signing to ensure the Toffees aren’t caught short next season.

Everton cannot afford to not add reinforcements to their team again this summer after they suffered the second worst injury record in the Premier League that ultimately contributed to their struggle with maintaining their top-flight status, so Farhad Moshiri signing Sanusi would be a great start for the Merseyside club.

AND in other news: Lampard “wants to land” the signing of “impressive” £4.5m-rated gem, Everton need him

Bruno Lage could land a masterclass in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha for Wolves ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to Portuguese paper A Bola (via Sport Witness), the Premier League club have made an approach to the player’s representatives, with this being the last step before an official bid is placed.

Sporting reportedly are demanding €25m (£21m) for the midfielder, although Wolves are looking at making a bid once some players have left Molineux.

The report added that Tottenham Hotspur are keen on the Portuguese star, but it is believed that Wolves have always held the most interest.

Lage masterclass

Lage will be aiming to rebuild his squad this summer, especially since there may be a few outgoings, with the futures of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho not yet clarified.

Wolves will require some replacements in the midfield area if these two players leave, and a swoop for Palhinha could be a wise move.

With plenty of Portuguese representation in Lage’s squad, the 26-year-old should settle in with ease. He has an impressive WhoScored rating of 7.03 and has contributed with three goals this season, a decent return for a player who regularly features as a defensive midfielder.

His ability to nullify opponents is supported by his placing in the top 1% of positional peers in the big five European leagues in pressures per 90 minutes (32.42) and in the top 8% for blocks (2.2 per 90).

These are statistics which will give Lage an indication of what he could get in the centre of the pitch with Palhinha involved, and it should be a move that Wolves try to push through sooner rather than later.

Having been lauded as a player who “rules midfield” following an impressive performance against Estoril earlier this season, it’s clear to see that the Old Gold manager could pull off a masterclass by signing the 26-year-old.

AND in other news, Wolves plot bid for £18m machine who’s “destroying everyone”, Lage needs him badly

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Fiorentina defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, according to French outlet Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Well-traveled star

A product of the youth academy at Utrecht, the 25-year-old made a switch to Feyenoord in 2017 before spells with Belgian outfit Club Brugge, Serie A side Hellas Verona and current club Fiorentina.

The tenacious midfield destroyer has made 57 appearances for La Viola, scoring just once but picking up 12 yellow cards, and has become a mainstay for the Morocco international team.

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Now another move could be on the horizon for Amrabat as Spurs boss Antonio Conte begins to plan for the summer transfer window…

The latest: On the radar

As per Foot Mercato, translated by SW, Tottenham are believed to ‘want’ the 34-cap ace who also represented Holland at youth level due to being born in the European nation.

It’s claimed that Spurs are ‘preparing’ for their end of season business and the man tipped to become ‘world class’ by BBC Africa journalist Mohamed Qoutb is seemingly a top target.

The report states that Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have ‘targeted’ Amrabat as Inter Milan also ‘strongly appreciate’ the Moroccan.

The verdict: No brainer

Despite injuries ruling out the combative midfielder for 44 days, so far this season Amrabat has earned a 6.75 Sofascore rating from 22 league outings, winning 2.0 ground duels per game, completing 90% of all his passes and only being dribbled past on 0.3 occasions per game on average.

Ironically, the £8.1million valued man compares stylistically with Spurs youngster Olivier Skipp as well as Leeds United ace Kalvin Phillips and former Liverpool general Lucas Leiva (Fbref) – that last one is perhaps no surprise given his record of picking up yellow cards.

With the futures of Tanguy Ndombele and Harry Winks still in doubt, signing a player of the quality of Amrabat would be a huge boost to the defensive solidity in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium squad.

In other news: Conte admits one thing this season left him ‘very angry’, find out more here