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West Ham United are reported to be "above all" interested English sides in the race to sign a £22 million player compared to Phil Foden.

Steidten's success at West Ham

New technical director Tim Steidten is apparently growing in influence at the London Stadium. Indeed, the German transfer chief played a heavy hand in moves for summer signings James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus – who have all proved pretty successful so far. Ward-Prowse's ruthless right-footed delivery is looking like a very useful asset for manager David Moyes, with the Englishman providing five assists in the Premier League alone this season.

Alvarez has been showered with praise for some of his performances in Claret and Blue as well, with Kudus also starting to showcase his undoubted quality at West Ham.

Steidten's identifies new West Ham targets

Now, the focus for Steidten is believed to be on signing a new striker. Moyes is desperately short of quality with just Michail Antonio coming as his favoured senior option. Danny Ings has played just 68 minutes of league action this season, and the signs suggest West Ham's manager isn't exactly his biggest fan.

This has led to reports that the east Londoners are targeting a new forward, with Bayer Leverkusen's Adam Hlozek, a player Steidten knows well from his time at the club, among West Ham's new striker options.

A new right-back is also on West Ham's agenda heading into January, amid the uncertainty surrounding Coufal's future in east London. Meanwhile, a report out of Italy has now suggested that Irons supporters may have to keep a watchful eye on the possible new addition of a midfielder.

West Ham "above all" English sides for Zielinski

According to Spazio Napoli, West Ham are "above all" interested English sides in the race for Napoli star Piotr Zielinski. The 29-year-old is a mainstay under Rudi Garcia but remains out of contract at the end of the season, leading to recent reports that he could cost as little as £22 million.

Zielinski is content to remain in Italy, but Serie A's champions must keep him away from the clutches of Saudi sides, Inter Milan, Juventus and West Ham by convincing the player to pen fresh terms. This hasn't happened yet, despite their willingness to do so, with the Poland international's future remaining open as things stand.

He apparently has a mega offer on the table from Saudi Arabia, but Zielinski is yet to commit anywhere. To make matters more interesting, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee once claimed that West Ham's head of recruitment Rob Newman was actually very keen on bringing him to the club in 2022.

The midfielder, who has been a regular for Napoli over many seasons, was even been compared to Man City star Phil Foden.

"Recently, I was listening to Pep Guardiola talking about Phil Foden. He said he was a genius, an outstanding talent," said former Poland boss Paulo Sousa.

"But to get to the highest world level, he needs to know when to change the pace of the game. Foden still lacks that. Piotr has it. He sees everything. He perfectly feels the space between his teammates and the opponent. He has an amazing sense of timing and pitch geometry. He can slow down or speed up the game with one pass. He is a beautiful footballer."

Aaron Ramsdale's repeated blunders versus Brentford didn't cost Arsenal three points last time out thankfully, bailed out by his heroic backline time after time before Kai Havertz headed home at the death to win the tight game 1-0.

The goalkeeper situation at Arsenal currently is a strange one, to say the least, David Raya is Mikel Arteta's first-choice goalkeeper despite only being at the club on loan and that doesn't look like changing any time soon after the English goalkeeper's wobbles as his stand-in against the Bees.

With rumours intensifying that Raya's loan deal could be made permanent this coming transfer window, Ramsdale will have to settle for being the back-up option at the Emirates for now despite being Arteta's main man in goal for the last two full seasons.

The former Sheffield United man will be fearing for his long-term future at the club therefore, especially if current Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo- who is on a season-long loan with the Red Dragons from Arsenal – keeps up his form in League Two and returns to the Emirates emboldened by his formative experience in Wales.

Ramsdale will just hope he gets more opportunities to impress soon to displace Raya as number one in-between, despite not being in his manager's good books currently.

Ramsdale's statistics for Arsenal this season

The 25-year-old started Arsenal's first four top-flight games this season, failing to keep a clean sheet in any of those games with his performance in goal notably below-par in a 2-2 home draw versus Fulham at the end of August.

The Cottagers found the back of Ramsdale's net twice despite only having three shots on target all game, Andreas Pereira getting the better of the Gunners shot-stopper in the first minute after curling an effort past the shaky number one who was out of position.

Ramsdale was arguably exposed after a weak back-pass from Bukayo Saka found Pereira instead of the 25-year-old, but Arteta will look to moments like these as justification for why he's dropped the ex-Blades goalkeeper in recent months to start Raya instead.

Raya has kept four clean sheets in the Premier League since coming into the side, the Spanish goalkeeper impressive throughout the effective 1-0 shut-out of Manchester City last month.

Young Gunners prospect Okonkwo will hope he can further add competition in goal when he returns from Wrexham at the end of the season, the 6 foot 6 keeper excelling in Wales.

Okonkwo's statistics for Wrexham this season

The Arsenal U23s "talented" regular goalkeeper – as labelled by football journalist Fabrizio Romano – is impressing again out on loan, keeping ten clean sheets last season at Crewe Alexandra on a short-term basis.

Now, Okonkwo is ensuring Wrexham have a reliable shot-stopper in-between the sticks after news of Ben Foster's retirement rocked the Racecouse Ground earlier in the season.

The towering four-time England U18 international has accumulated five clean sheets for Phil Parkinson's Red Dragons from only ten games played to date, keeping three clean sheets in his last four outings in Wrexham colours.

Wrexham are flying high in second as a result, only five points off top-of-the-table Stockport County with Okonkwo eager to continue playing his part in the Welsh team's potential pursuit of back-to-back promotions.

The 22-year-old will have far bigger dreams than that, however, hoping to one day be Arsenal's first choice with Ramsdale growing ever more twitchy about his future as a result of the emerging Arsenal talent.

Roy Keane has been backed to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United as the Irishman's former team-mate urged him to "clean house" at Old Trafford.

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• Ten Hag on shaky ground at Man Utd
• Might be forced to leave by INEOS
• Giuseppe Rossi thinks Keane is perfect replacement

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ten Hag's future allegedly hangs in the balance as INEOS might show him the door at the end of the campaign if the manager fails to guide the Red Devils to a European spot. There has been intense speculation on his potential successor as several names have been floated, including Zinedine Zidane, Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi.

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  However, former Manchester United forward Giuseppe Rossi believes that club legend Keane is the ideal candidate to replace Ten Hag as he has the perfect understanding of the "culture" at Old Trafford. Rossi did share the Red Devils' dressing room with Keane for a brief period in the early 2000s and has witnessed first-hand the no-nonsense approach of the legendary midfielder, which he thinks could be crucial to turning around the fortunes of a lackadaisical United squad.

• WHAT ROSSI SAID

  Speaking to Rossi said: "When I think about potentially having Roy Keane as manager at Old Trafford, that sounds like it could be really great. It would be something very cool. The club should definitely think about it if they have a change in management. A man who is a legend of the club and helped build their culture, that’s exactly what is needed.

  "Maybe some of the players that are not playing for the shirt would understand it more. Maybe you need someone to go into Manchester United and clean the house so to speak and build from there. It could be a great situation."

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• IS KEANE INTERESTED IN THE MAN UTD JOB?

  Keane fired Sunderland to the Premier League in his first full season as manager during the 2006-07 campaign but his tenure turned sour soon after, and he struggled to carve out a name for himself in his subsequent stint at Ipswich. Although he has also worked as an assistant manager with the Ireland national team, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, the Sky Sports pundit is well aware that his CV does not "warrant" him being in the frame for such a high-profile job as United.

  When asked by Gary Neville, on his show , if he would take up the reins of his former club he said: "That’s never going to happen. My CV wouldn’t warrant it – it’s as simple as that, The Man Utd job is a tough job.”

Leeds United have been dealt a blow after learning that one of their top young players is also ruled out of this afternoon’s Championship game vs Middlesbrough alongside Junior Firpo.

Leeds injury news

The Whites currently have Stuart Dallas out on the sidelines with his own respective long-term problem as it stands, so the rest of the squad will have to try and pick up positive results throughout the rest of the season without the services of their veteran.

Daniel Farke’s side host Michael Carrick’s visitors later today, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm UK time, but following a fresh update, the manager is set to be missing another one of his stars having suffered a fresh blow.

Predicted Leeds lineup to face Middlesbrough including Spence and no "crucial" titan

The possible line up that Daniel Farke could select to line up at Elland Road this weekend.

By
Dan Emery

Dec 1, 2023

Elland Road striker Joe Gelhardt has recently been absent from the action having sustained a hand fracture, and despite having since returned to training, he’s now expected to be facing another spell in the treatment room.

England’s former youth international spent the second half of last season out on loan at Sunderland, and whilst the 21-year-old has stayed to try and fight for his place at the club rather than taking the opportunity to leave over the summer, he’ll have to wait to make his next appearance.

Joe Gelhardt set to miss Middlesbrough

Taking to X, The Athletic’s Phil Hay shared an update from Farke’s pre-match press conference on Friday where the boss confirmed that Gelhardt is ruled out of today’s encounter vs Middlesbrough.

“Daniel Farke is here for his pre-Boro presser. Injury latest: Gelhardt out with a hip problem, Firpo out with a hamstring strain. Firpo likely to be out for three weeks. Those are the only new concerns after Wednesday's win over Swansea.”

Leeds suffer setback over "lively" Gelhardt

Whilst Gelhardt has only made five appearances this season in the Championship, Leeds will know that he’s capable of performing at a high level, therefore, the fact that he won’t be available for this particular fixture at the very least will come as a blow to Farke.

The Liverpool-born talent has posted 46 contributions, 32 goals and 16 assists, in 125 outings since the start of his career, showing how prolific he can be in the final third when handed the opportunity to play on a regular basis (Transfermarkt – Gelhardt statistics).

The Whites’ left-footed ace also ranks in the 96th percentile for pass completion, so he has extremely strong link-up play with his fellow teammates in and around the opposition’s penalty area (FBRef – Gelhardt statistics).

Gelhardt, who has been hailed “lively” by journalist Josh Bunting, is even a versatile operator having been deployed in five different positions over the pitch following his arrival on the professional scene, including everywhere across the frontline and as an attacking midfielder, so the sooner he is able to return to the action, the better.

United States women's national team legend Carli Lloyd has announced that she is expecting her first child at the age of 41.

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• Lloyd pregnant via IVF
• USWNT legend retired in 2021
• One of the most decorated female players ever

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Lloyd announced Wednesday that she and her husband Brian Hollins are expecting their first child after several rounds of IVF. Lloyd has explained that conceiving took nearly two years and she has posted a heartfelt Instagram message in which she has offered support to those who are still struggling to get pregnant.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lloyd is one of the most decorated female players of all time. A former USWNT international who also played for the likes of NJ/NY Gotham City, Manchester City, and Houston Dash, she won 316 caps for her country, winning the World Cup twice, as well as two Olympic gold medals.

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  WHAT LLOYD SAID

  Lloyd has written an essay for Women's Health Magazine detailing her struggle, saying: “I felt all the emotions during my career — stress, worry, fear, anxiety — but I’d never felt all the emotions that IVF brought on. I felt completely out of control. It’s an indescribable roller coaster unless you go through it."

  She added: “When I look back at all the things I went through on the soccer field — whether it was a poor performance, getting benched, or missing a penalty kick in a World Cup final — there was always something I felt I could do to control the situation. I would go out and work 10 times harder. I was incredibly focused during my career. The majority of the time, the world saw me in competitor mode. A machine. I was often emotionless and numb because that’s the only way I felt I was able to survive and thrive.

  “But this situation hit me so differently. I wasn’t emotionless or numb. Some nights I would lie in bed crying uncontrollably to Brian. I cried and worried a lot. I leaned on Brian more than I ever had, as well as on my family and friends. For the first time in my life, I needed their support to keep going.”

  She continued: “I went from feeling embarrassed, ashamed, and afraid to tell people that I was going through IVF to now wanting to share my story to help others. In times of struggle, we see what we are made of. We grow. We learn. And most important, we have more appreciation for the things we do have in life.”

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Lloyd has announced that she is due to give birth in October. In the meantime, she will likely be showing her support for the USWNT, who are next in action on June 1, against South Korea.

West Ham have sent a clear message to Chelsea over signing one of their "very underrated" players in January as his exit becomes inevitable.

Steidten tipped for busy transfer window

As we fast approach the winter window's opening, Hammers technical director Tim Steidten and the board have been tipped for a busy January.

According to reliable media sources, like renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, West Ham are "working" on their transfer plans for next month as manager David Moyes also reportedly eyes a new striker.

West Ham signing said to be all but done, but Moyes unlikely to benefit

He apparently looks set to join them.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 16, 2023

The east Londoners have been linked with moves for RB Leipzig ace Timo Werner, Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy and PSG starlet Hugo Ekitike as some of the strikers West Ham could sign mid-season.

Meanwhile, it's also been reported that Moyes is eager to bring in a new full-back and provide competition for the likes of Vladimir Coufal and Emerson Palmieri. Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters is reportedly attracting West Ham interest with his contract set to expire next summer, while another player to be mentioned more sporadically is Ian Maatsen.

The Dutchman could well depart Chelsea in 2024, with his contract expiring in 2025 and Chelsea having limited windows to cash in. They recently activated a one-year extension clause to keep him tied to Stamford Bridge a little while longer, coming as Maatsen and Chelsea seemingly fail to agree on a brand new deal.

West Ham tell Chelsea they want Maatsen

According to 90min, interest in the defender from Steidten and co is still very much there. Indeed, it is believed West Ham have told Chelsea they want Maatsen in January by expressing their interest in signing the 21-year-old.

While little else regarding Moyes' side is written beyond that, 90min reporter Graeme Bailey added on X that Maatsen is "set to leave" Chelsea next month.

Mauricio Pochettino's side are apparently prepared to do business in January, and another reporter Dean Jones thinks Maatsen would be the ideal signing for West Ham if they want a new full-back option.

"Maatsen is a really good player," said Jones to GiveMeSport recently.

"I can see this being a really good fit for West Ham. I'm not surprised they're interested. I think he's very underrated and a player that Chelsea have only considered selling because they see it as a good way to bring some money in basically. I think he's very highly-rated inside the club and I think he would do a really good job for West Ham if he was to go there.

"He's certainly good enough to be starting every week in the Premier League. I think some people are quite surprised that Chelsea would even consider letting him go. But if West Ham can do this one, I think it would be a good deal."

Manchester United star Nikita Parris turned down a huge move to the United States last month despite the Red Devils agreeing a record sale.

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• Parris on the brink of NWSL switch last month
• Man Utd agreed record sale with North Carolina
• Reason for England striker turning move down revealed

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Parris will play with United in the Women's FA Cup final on Sunday, having been on the losing side last year against Chelsea. This time around, the Red Devils will be favourites against Tottenham, in the final for the first time, and Parris deemed it an occasion too big to miss when an NWSL side came calling last month.

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  According to , the North Carolina Courage reached an agreement with Man Utd to sign the England international, one which would've seen the Red Devils receive a record fee, before the NWSL's transfer deadline on April 19. Parris herself was set for a big pay day too, with the report stating that she would've earned £1 million ($1.25m) over a three-year contract.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  However, Man Utd secured a place in the Women's FA Cup final with victory over Chelsea on April 15 and, with that on the calendar, Parris did not want to move before the end of the current season in England. The Courage, meanwhile, wanted her to join immediately and it all resulted in the deal collapsing.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PARRIS AND MAN UTD?

  Parris is out of contract at United this summer, though her current deal does include an option to extend by a further 12 months. Whether or not the Courage could revisit the situation when the NWSL transfer window reopens on August 1 remains to be seen, while other clubs will surely be on alert if the Red Devils do not opt to keep a player around who has scored 16 goals in 28 appearances this season.

There were signs that Unai Emery was building something special at Aston Villa last season, but no one could have foreseen the Villans' sudden rise into the Premier League's top four in the current campaign. As the season approaches Christmas, there's a very real possibility that the Midlands club could be sitting top of the tree in what would be the shock of the season. Given that Emery's side sit just two points adrift of leaders Liverpool and have just beat the two teams immediately above and below them, it would certainly be deserved too.

Their place among the very best that English football has to offer doesn't mean that Aston Villa will stop making changes within their squad though, with one particular player attracting interest from a European giant ahead of the January transfer window.

Aston Villa transfer news

Aston Villa have put themselves back on the map both on and off the pitch in the last 12 months. First came their qualification for the Europa Conference League, then came their rewards away from Villa Park. The Midlands club, with European football to offer, attracted one of the Bundesliga's top stars in Moussa Diaby. Diaby's goals and assists for Bayer Leverkusen – a combined 25 last season – saw him shoot to stardom and Villa have benefitted from securing his signature ever since.

Emery could ease Luiz blow by handing start to £75k-p/w Aston Villa gem

This £75k-p/w gem could help Aston Villa ease the loss of Douglas Luiz this weekend.

By
Adam Scully

Dec 14, 2023

One signing who hasn't quite found his feet, however, is Clement Lenglet. The Frenchman signed on loan from Barcelona in the summer but could already leave the club in January. According to Calcio Mercato, AC Milan have made contact with Barcelona to sign Lenglet, whose struggle for game time at Villa could see his loan spell cut short by the La Liga giants.

If Milan do want to sign the defender on loan in January, then they will have to cover his wages, which reportedly sit at €6m (£5.2m) a year. This means that the Italian side would have to fork out £2.6m across a six-month loan spell and that the move may only be possible if Barcelona covered a percentage of Lenglet's wages.

"Strong" Lenglet needs Aston Villa exit

After impressing on loan at Tottenham Hotspur last season, Lenglet would have been hoping to make a similar impact at Aston Villa. That, however, has been anything but the case, with Lenglet's game time highlighting his struggles for all to see. The Frenchman hasn't made a single appearance in the Premier League and has only featured in the Europa Conference League. If anyone needs a move in January, it is Lenglet.

It's a shame for the Barcelona man, who earned the praise of Hugo Lloris whilst at Spurs last season. The former Lilywhites captain said via The Daily Mail: "He's a modern defender. Comfortable to be able to play from the back. He has a great left foot and can be very strong in one v one and he's strong in the air. Even if it's never easy when you arrive in the Premier League and he will have to adapt to the intensity of the games but he is a high level player, with experience."

Mauricio Pochettino brought up Coldplay's reference while analysing his first season with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

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• Pochettino cited Coldplay's example to assess first season
• Had a difficult start to Chelsea journey
• Won their last three Premier League games

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Blues boss turned to the famous British band Coldplay as he tried to give an honest assessment of his maiden season with the West London club. After a slow start to their campaign, the club managed to turn things around and since the boxing day, they have secured 35 points in the league. Only the top three Premier League clubs – Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have registered more points than Pochettino's team.

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• WHAT MAURICIO POCHETTINO SAID

  Speaking to reporters, the Argentine said, "The problem in England, what happens, if after 10 games you are at the top and winning games, what happens after is relative. The problem is we are punished because of the first 10 games. If we count after 10 games, I think we are in the top four. That is the problem because you are punished because of the first 10 games.

  "Look, I want to be positive. I don't want to talk anymore. I don't want to say we are young and we have had to cope with injuries. If not, about the evolution in different aspects of the game and to evolve and be positive. Now it is like we are stuck, like the song of Coldplay, stuck and reverse. We are stuck in every single press conference. Stuck and going back in reverse. [Do] you remember the song? I am a fan [of Coldplay]. The song is Fix You."

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  There have been speculations over the former Tottenham Hotspur manager's future at Stamford Bridge beyond the current campaign after he endured a turbulent first season in charge. He has been linked with a move to AC Milan as the Serie A giants look to replace outgoing manager Stefano Pioli.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  After winning their last three Premier League games, the 2016/17 champions will aim to finish the season on a high as they take on Brighton and Bournemouth in their last two matches of the campaign respectively.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has vowed that the Gunners will be looking to "win everything" during the 2024-25 season.

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• Arsenal lose out on title to City
• Odegaard vows Gunners will be back stronger
• Busy summer expected in north London

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners lost out on the Premier League title to Manchester City on the final day. Despite beating Everton 2-1 at the Emirates, with Kai Havertz and Takehiro Tomiyasu getting the goals, City pipped them to the trophy courtesy of a 3-1 victory over West Ham.

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• WHAT ODEGAARD SAID

  Addressing the club's supporters at full time, Odegaard said: "I think we’re all a little bit disappointed at the moment. We’ve been fighting for so long and we’re so close. But at the same time I’m so proud of the boys, everyone at the club, the fans. I’m so proud of the progress we’re making. When I first came here until today, it’s a big difference. We’ve changed the club. I think you’re all believing us now. We’re on a good wave, We were closer than last year. Now we need to use the break to come back even stronger next year. We’re going to push to win everything."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arsenal have indeed got closer to the champions' points tally this term. Last season, the Gunners finished five points behind City, but this time around they have ended up only two adrift of Pep Guardiola's team. Champions League football has been secured once again and they'll be looking to go further than the quarter-final stages – where they exited this season – in 2025.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke has hinted that the club would again be investing in the men's team this summer, as they look to further close the gap on City. It's understood that Arteta is particularly interested in signing a new centre-forward, with the futures of Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus uncertain.