All posts by n8rngtd.top

West Ham United head into Sunday afternoon’s Premier League meeting against Southampton in excellent form, with David Moyes’ side currently on a run of four consecutive wins in all competitions.

However, with Hammers’ still 13th in the top-flight standings after a poor start to the 2022/23 campaign, the 59-year-old will undoubtedly be hoping to make it five victories on the spin against the 18th-placed Saints.

While £35.5m summer signing Gianluca Scamacca is beginning to find form in front of goal, bagging three over his last four outings in all competitions, it is another West Ham striker who Moyes must unleash on Sunday, namely Michail Antonio.

Indeed, while the 32-year-old is reported to have a 75% chance of being fit to feature at St Mary’s after falling ill in the week, the striker’s record against the Saints should be enough to convince the Irons manager to hand him a start on the south coast.

Having faced Southampton 16 times in his career, the £9m-rated forward has proven a constant threat for the Saints’ centre-backs, finding the net on four separate occasions and providing his team-mates with a further two assists.

Furthermore, the £70k-per-week hitman has also been in impressive form over his nine Premier League outings so far this season, scoring two goals, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his team-mates.

The Jamaica international has also taken 1.4 shots, made 0.6 key passes and completed 0.8 dribbles per game, with these returns seeing Antonio average a SofaScore match rating of 6.83, ranking him as Moyes’ joint-eighth best performer in the league.

Scamacca is a very talented striker, but considering Antonio’s history against the Saints, coupled with his impressive returns in the top flight this term, it would seem wise for Moyes to give the 32-year-old the nod ahead of the Italian on Sunday.

Indeed, with Ralph Hasenhutll’s side having already shipped 17 league goals this season, unleashing the player who 90min’s Toby Cudworth dubbed “utterly sublime” will undoubtedly give the Southampton defenders nightmares.

Aston Villa communications director Tommy Jordan has slammed rumours that have claimed the club have decided to sack Steven Gerrard.

The Lowdown: Gerrard speculation

Football Insider shared news late on Monday evening that Villa have chosen to part ways with Gerrard following the defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.

They were informed by ‘well-placed sources’ that the ‘dismissal of Gerrard could be formalised by the end of the week’.

The report name-checked Mauricio Pochettino and Unai Emery as potential replacements, however, the club have officially remained silent on the situation.

The Latest: Jordan reacts

Jordan however took to Twitter to react to a tweet from Football Insider that has since been deleted.

He slammed the speculation, saying:

“How many times can you publish complete lies before people unfollow the account? Not sure why anyone actually follows this account. If you do, you shouldn’t.”

The Verdict: Last chance at Fulham?

Jordan has joined Villa chief executive Christian Purslow in speaking out on Gerrard’s future over the last seven days. However, we still feel tomorrow’s fixture against Fulham could be the final chance Gerrard has to save his job which appears to be hanging in the balance.

Anything less than three points in London and a first away victory of the season could result in Gerrard departing the club less than 12 months after arriving from Rangers, which many may say they could see coming due to the club’s struggles in the final third this season.

Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves’ head could easily be turned by a move to Barcelona in the near future, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Fresh Neves exit rumour

The 25-year-old was linked with a move to the La Liga giants all summer long, having been viewed as a potential long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.

Neves ended up remaining at Wolves but a new rumour has been doing the rounds regarding him moving on loan in January, prior to a permanent transfer – with the transfer allegedly at a ‘very advanced’ stage.

It seems clear that Barca see the Wanderers hero as a primary target, with a Molineux exit feeling increasingly likely.

The Latest: Journo makes new claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke admitted that Neves would find it difficult to turn the move down:

“I think if you’ve got Barcelona courting your services, I’m sure it would turn anybody’s head. We all know Barcelona have had major financial problems over the last couple of years as well, but they are going well in La Liga and they are trying to rebuild.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“398117″]

The Verdict: Hard to see him staying

With every new report that emerges, the more it feels inevitable that Neves will end up trading Wolves for Barcelona soon, whether that be in January or next summer.

[freshpress-poll id=“399044″]

Wanderers’ struggles in the Premier League are only enhancing the likelihood of it happening, with the Portuguese potentially feeling as though he has outgrown the club.

It would certainly be hard to feel bitter about Neves leaving, having remained so loyal to this point, and he is a player who deserves to be playing at that level, being described as ‘outstanding’ by journalist Tim Spiers.

Frank Lampard is already looking ahead to next season in terms of improving his Everton side, with Napoli winger Hirving Lozano linked with a move to the Toffees – according to Spanish publication Marca (via Liverpool Echo).

The 27-year-old’s agent spoke recently about interest in Lozano, saying: “In my opinion, Lozano will leave next June, also because he earns over 4m (£3.5m) at Napoli.

“Even though he is delighted to be here, he has never hidden that he aspires to the top English clubs even if now he is probably realizing that Napoli itself is a top club.

“I think he can join Manchester United or Everton.”

This is encouraging news for Lampard, and he could well land his very own Bukayo Saka by making a move for Lozano, with the two comparable via FBref’s player comparison model.

Saka has been tearing it up recently at Arsenal, scoring five goals and registering four assists in all competitions this season and, despite Lozano being six years older than the Englishman, Everton could benefit from having someone similar on their right-wing providing a goalscoring threat.

Despite Saka scoring more league goals (four to two), Lozano actually averages more shots per match (4.51 to 2.42) while also generating more shot-creating actions per match (4.50 to 4.01).

The £84k-per-week Napoli winger has created more big chances than Saka this season (three to one), however, Saka just edges out Lozano in terms of key passes per match (1.9 to 1.2) – although it proves that the two are extremely attack-minded from wide positions.

Rangers Review journalist Derek Clark dubbed the Mexican as “frightening” before Napoli faced the Gers in the Champions League last night and it’s clear that Lampard needs a greater attacking output from out wide in order to take pressure off Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

If Everton did bring the player to the Premier League, the 44-year-old will be hoping that Lozano can have the same impact that Saka did for Arsenal, terrorising defences and creating an extra attacking dimension.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is having to cope with a Lucas Moura ‘problem’ ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool.

The Lowdown: Spurs injury woes…

Earlier this week, Spurs star winger Son Heung-min had to undergo surgery after suffering a head injury against Marseille in the Champions League – putting his 2022 World Cup involvement in doubt.

That added to the woes of Conte with Cristian Romero and Richarlison already declared unavailable for today’s blockbuster encounter against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The Lilywhites could further cement their status as real top-four favourites with victory against Liverpool in London this afternoon but their lack of options in certain areas could be seen as a concern.

The Latest: Conte dealt Lucas ‘problem’…

Speaking ahead of Tottenham’s match, Conte has shared an update on Lucas with some bad news for him and supporters.

The Italian says his winger is in ‘really bad’ pain with the player himself ‘really worried’ – yet Conte has requested that Lucas try to make himself available for Liverpool.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-3/” title=”Tottenham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He explained (via Alasdair Gold):

“The problem with Lucas Moura is having different faces for his pain. Today it was really bad and they said he was really worried for this. I asked him to try to be available.”

The Verdict: Bad news…

The 30-year-old being in agony before Liverpool certainly comes as some bad news and supporters will be hoping it has subsided since and he has indeed made himself available for this afternoon.

As per WhoScored, Lucas can be a real threat on his day, with no Spurs player averaging more completed dribbles per 90 than the South American last season. He can be a really good option to call upon and Conte will not want to add another name to the injury list.

Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Raul Jimenez ‘will not be fit’ to play in the Premier League until after the World Cup, according to journalist Liam Keen.

The Lowdown: Road to recovery

The Mexican sustained a serious groin injury at the end of August and has been ruled out of action ever since, but he has been stepping up his road to recovery.

The 31-year-old previously spent three weeks of rehabilitation in his homeland before returning to Molineux to complete some individual training sessions.

The forward is now back in the safe hands of his national side’s medical team, and therefore he isn’t expected to participate in any group setting at Compton before the mid-season break.

The Latest: Jimenez fitness update

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article for the Express & Star, Keen revealed that Jimenez is set to return to the UK this coming weekend but won’t be available for selection for the Old Gold, and it is still uncertain whether he will be named in Mexico’s 26-man World Cup squad.

He wrote: “Raul Jimenez is currently in Spain with Mexico national team doctors continuing his rehab. He is then back in England this weekend, but will not be fit to play for Wolves before the World Cup. It remains to be seen if he is fit for the tournament.”

The Verdict: Correct decision

Whilst Wolves are in desperate need of some points before the mid-season break, Jimenez not being rushed back into action is the right decision to make.

Lauded as ‘very dangerous’ by Josh Bunting, the attacker is more than capable of making an impact in the final third, with 78 goal contributions in 150 Wolves appearances to his name.

However, with just one league match remaining before the World Cup, there’s no point in risking bringing him back prematurely, only to make the injury worse in the long run and sever any hopes of him representing his country in Qatar later this month.

Manchester United are still closely monitoring RB Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko as a potential signing, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Sesko shining for Salzburg

In an era of young, brutish strikers such as Erling Haaland, Darwin Nunez and Victor Osimhen, Sesko is another who is making waves currently.

The 19-year-old has scored 17 goals for Salzburg to date, including four in 11 starts in the league this season, also being hailed as ‘incredible’ by journalist Maxi Angelo.

United have been linked with a move for the Slovenian ace recently and a new update suggests that their interest isn’t going away.

The Latest: Move still possible

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that the Red Devils are still weighing up a move for Sesko, seeing him as a great prospect:

“It’s definitely worth keeping an eye on. He’s got a lot of supporters within the United recruitment staff, who feel that he’s the right fit for what they’re looking for.

“I think that, ultimately, is what’s probably going to help him stay on the radar.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-6/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Massive long-term potential

United may have found some form of late but there is still a feeling that their attack is lacking some genuine magic, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho all flawed for different reasons.

Sesko is someone who could come in as a special long-term addition, possessing similar physical attributes to some of those aforementioned young strikers mentioned above.

Granted, he wouldn’t necessarily be a key man from the off, given his age, but his ceiling means United would be mad not to snap him up if the chance arises. He could move to parent club RB Leipzig for the time being, however, which could scupper the move.

Liverpool had arguably one of the finest attacking triumvirates in world football between 2017 and 2022, with Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane striking terror into opposition defences both in the Premier League and Champions League.

Indeed, the trio scored an incredible 338 goals between them during the five full seasons they all played together, while also chipping in with just 139 assists.

With Mane leaving to join Bayern Munich in the summer, and the marching of time ensuring Firmino and Salah may not have long left at their peak, Jurgen Klopp has the challenge of creating a new attacking trio.

Luring Darwin Nunez to Anfield was a major coup, and with winger Diogo Jota shining since joining from Wolves, they just need another star before the German’s future line-up will be complete. They might just find one with a young talent shining on the continent.

According to reports in Spain, the Reds have been linked with a move for winger Nico Williams, who plays for LaLiga side Athletic Bilbao.

The 20-year-old starlet, who has been dubbed “daring” by Marcelinho, has impressed in Spain this season, scoring three goals from 14 appearances, while also chipping in with three assists – proving he is an excellent goal threat from a wide position.

The £42m-valued youngster has also averaged 1.4 key passes per match while also creating two big chances, and with an average of 40.5 touches per game, he constantly demands the ball in order to generate opportunities for teammates and this selflessness will be a huge advantage for Klopp.

His performances have led the winger to be called up to the Spanish side for the World Cup, which could be the perfect platform for the player to shine and demonstrate his talent on a global stage.

If he did join, Klopp would certainly ease him into the side, especially with Salah still performing at his peak, but there is no doubt he could be the ideal replacement for the Egyptian.

Williams could be a breakout sensation in Qatar, and this might drive his transfer fee up to astronomical levels. Therefore, Julian Ward may have to act sooner rather than later and it may be a shrewd investment for the future.

West Ham are reportedly interested in signing Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo and his arrival could spell the end of cult hero Craig Dawson’s time at the London Stadium.

According to Claret and Hugh, the Hammers could look to acquire the centre-back after the World Cup break and could pay around £16m for the former Manchester City man, despite his contract at Craven Cottage being set to expire in June 2023.

Since joining the Cottagers from the Citizens in 2020, the 25-year-old has gone on to make 88 appearances in west London, contributing three goals and two assists.

He earned the move to Fulham after impressing with Championship side Blackburn Rovers on loan from Manchester City, with his centre-back partner Darragh Lenihan singing the defender’s praises in 2019.

He said: “He’s brilliant. His distribution is excellent, he’s quick, he’s big. I’ve said to him that he has all the attributes to play for Manchester City in my opinion.

“He’s here to learn, and help us out, but he’s a fantastic player.”

This season has seen him make ten appearances in the Premier League for Marco Silva’s side, in which he has averaged a solid, if unspectacular, 6.60 rating from WhoScored.

However, this still ranks him ahead of all of West Ham’s centre-back options bar Kurt Zouma, which emphasises what he could add to David Moyes’ side should he join in the January window.

Adarabioyo would join an already long list of centre-back options in Moyes’ side, especially with Angelo Ogbonna and Nayef Aguerd having returned from injury in recent weeks, which suggests that another defender could be moved on to accommodate the Fulham star.

That man seems very likely to be Dawson, given that he came extremely close to leaving the Hammers during the summer transfer window, as he seeks a move to a club closer to his home in the north of England.

The 32-year-old has become a fan favourite during his time with the Hammers, notably for his performances in the Europa League run last season, as he was named in the team of the tournament.

However, he has struggled after returning from injury this season, averaging a poor 6.47 rating for his displays in the Premier League, so perhaps it is time he was moved on and replaced by a better long-term option in Adarabioyo.

West Ham United are plotting a move for a World Cup star, following the injury to one of their key players…

What’s the latest?

According to Tutto Sport, the Hammers’ interest in Polish defender Jakub Kiwior has been sped up following Kurt Zouma’s knee surgery.

It is expected that the Frenchman will not play for some time after a procedure to correct a long-standing issue, and as such it will leave David Moyes somewhat light at the back despite his vast summer overhaul.

The 22-year-old is drawing interest from a number of clubs, with Napoli, AC Milan and Juventus all noted as suitors for the Spezia centre-back.

Zouma replacement

With Zouma having impressed since his £30m move to the London Stadium, this marks a huge blow for Moyes’ hopes of a successful season.

His team currently are sitting just one point above the relegation zone, but boasts just 17 goals conceded in 15 games.

The 28-year-old had played every minuteof their Premier League season until he was forced off against Leicester City, further emphasising his importance.

Therefore, it demands the standard of his replacement to be impressive enough to fulfil his role for at least the remainder of this campaign.

In this Polish youngster – who Robert Lewandowski labelled “extraordinary” – they might just have that.

The legendary marksman was actually relentless in his praise for the young defender, as he continuedby stating that “he has great potential.”

Having featured in every one of his club’s Serie A matches this season too, despite his youth he has established himself as a mainstay for Spezia.

His continued presence in the side can be attributed to his 6.86 rating for the season, where he is averaging 1.5 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 3.7 clearances per game, via SofaScore.

Earning a call-up for his national team’s World Cup campaign too, the sky really is the limit for the 6 foot 2 stalwart.

In what was just his sixth cap and his first appearance in the game’s elite competition, he impressed in a back three as The Eagles held Mexico to a goalless draw.

He translated his domestic form into international success, as he recorded a remarkablefive clearances as well as two interceptions.

There is a widespread belief that he can be one of the surprise players of this tournament, should he continue exhibiting his fine defensive work.

Kiwior has quickly risen to prominence for both club and country and could now have earned his move after the perfect opportunity seems to have presented itself in east London.