Transfer Centre

Transfer news and rumours: Georges Mikautadze to West Ham United, Gavin Beavers to Newcastle United, Michail Antonio update

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 30 June 2024

Transfer news and rumours: Mikautadze to West Ham, Beavers to Newcastle, Antonio update

Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer news and rumours, including Georges Mikautadze to West Ham United, Gavin Beavers to Newcastle United and an update on Michail Antonio's future.

West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Metz forward Georges Mikautadze this summer.

The 23-year-old scored 13 times in 20 Ligue 1 appearances in the second half of last season for Metz after returning to the club on loan from Ajax, but he was unable to prevent the team from being relegated from France's top flight.

Having resigned for Les Grenats on a permanent basis this summer, Metz are allegedly looking for around €25m (£21m) for the forward, who is the joint-leading goalscorer at Euro 2024 this summer, finding the back of the net on three occasions for Georgia.

A host of clubs, including Monaco, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli and Newcastle United, have been credited with an interest in the attacker.

However, according to Le10Sport, West Ham are also keen, with the Hammers considering making an attempt to bring him to the London Stadium.

The report claims that the capital outfit are willing to pay in excess of €20m (£16m) for the forward, with a decision on his future expected to be made once Georgia are eliminated from Euro 2024.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe applauds fans after the match on April 24, 2024 © Reuters

Newcastle 'eyeing surprise goalkeeper signing'

Meanwhile, according to The Sun, Newcastle are considering making an attempt to sign American goalkeeper Gavin Beavers during this summer's transfer window.

The Magpies are in the market for a new stopper during the current market.

Beavers represents Real Salt Lake, and it is understood that a number of clubs have been alerted by his progress, with a move to Europe possible in the near future.

The 19-year-old has featured on 16 occasions for his MLS outfit's first team, while he has been capped at Under-19 level by the USA.

Beavers is the youngest goalkeeper to feature in the history of the MLS, having turned out for Real Salt Lake at the age of 16.

The American's current deal with Real Salt Lake is due to expire at the end of this year, meaning that he could be available for a cut-price fee.

West Ham United's Michail Antonio celebrates scoring against Aston Villa on March 17, 2024 © Reuters

West Ham 'turn down Gremio offer for Antonio'

Back with West Ham, the Hammers have allegedly turned down a bid of approximately £2m from Brazilian outfit Gremio for forward Michail Antonio.

The Jamaica international is expected to leave the London Stadium this summer, as he only has another year left to run on his contract and is unlikely to sign an extension.

According to The Athletic, Gremio approached West Ham with an offer of £2m for 34-year-old, but West Ham turned down the bid, as it does not match their valuation.

The report claims that clubs from Saudi Arabia and the MLS are also showing an interest in the forward, who scored six times and registered two assists in 26 Premier League appearances last season.

Antonio made the move to West Ham from Nottingham Forest in September 2015, and he has represented the capital outfit on 308 occasions, scoring 82 goals and registering 40 assists in the process.