All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United are interested in a deal to sign an exciting defender in January, but they aren’t the only club who are hoping to bring him to the Premier League.

Who are Newcastle linked with?

With Sandro Tonali likely facing a lengthy spell away from the action due to breaching betting rules whilst at his former club AC Milan, PIF and Eddie Howe look set to enter the market for midfield reinforcements, with Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher two names to have been mentioned.

The Magpies owners also appear keen to bolster their defensive ranks having reportedly made Crystal Palace centre-back Joachim Andersen their number one target for the upcoming window, but should they fail to secure his services, the northeast outfit have seemingly set their sights on an alternative to join the heart of their backline.

At the Azteca Stadium, Club America’s Sebastian Caceres has emerged as a possible candidate having impressed during his 109 senior appearances since joining from Liverpool Montevideo all the way back in 2020 (Transfermarkt – Caceres statistics), and there could be an opportunity to sign him up for grabs.

The Uruguay international’s deal with Andre Jardine’s side will expire in December 2024 (Club America contracts), meaning that the 24-year-old may get put up for sale should his side not want to risk losing him for free, which has alerted chiefs at St. James’ Park.

Sebastian Caceres transfer update

According to Football Insider, delivering a transfer update on Sebastian Caceres, Newcastle are one of five clubs in the top-flight to be considering an approach for the defender over in Mexico City.

“Tottenham are among the sides monitoring Club America defender Sebastian Caceres, sources have told Football Insider. Spurs are now among the sides monitoring his progress ahead of a potential swoop in the January transfer window.

"It is believed Premier League quartet Man United, Newcastle, Fulham and West Ham are also keeping tabs on Caceres.”

How good is Sebastian Caceres?

Whilst Newcastle supporters may be concerned that Caceres isn’t a household name who they are aware of, he is a fantastic player who has the versatility to operate out wide at both left-back and right-back alongside his usual role at centre-back, and he’s also been getting recognition at international level.

The Montevideo native has so far made seven senior appearances for Uruguay and has represented his nation at their World Cup qualifiers alongside in friendlies, so he knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level, therefore matching the winning mentality of the current squad who are in the northeast.

Uruguay U20's World Cup Participant – 2019 (Data via Transfermarkt)

CONCACAF Champions League Participant – 2019/20 & 2020/21

In addition, Caceres only pockets £10k-per-week (Club America salaries), which would make him the joint third-lowest earner on the club’s books alongside Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie (Newcastle salaries), so he appears to be a more than affordable option to recruit and has the up-and-coming profile of someone that the board should be pursuing.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could finally strengthen a key position in the January window as he looks to improve results at Old Trafford, according to reports.

Man Utd’s strikers

Despite spending a lavish £72 million on Rasmus Hojlund in the summer, Manchester United are still experiencing problems in front of goal as they continue to find difficulty in fashioning regular chances to score. On Saturday, Hojlund was brought off after 79 minutes against Fulham after failing to register a single shot on target in the Red Devils’ last-gasp victory at Craven Cottage.

Speaking to the media, Red Devils icon Rio Ferdinand insisted his old side isn’t playing to Hojlund’s strengths as the Denmark international continues to await his first Premier League goal.

“I wish we’d had a bit more time with Erik ten Hag [to discuss Hojlund] because he’s invested in a player we’re not seeing the best of. His best attributes are not being seen because the team aren’t playing to his strengths.”

“He [Ten Hag] said in his press conferences we want to play a bit more direct with players like Hojlund and Rashford who can play on the counter. Too many times they get wide and the quality is nowhere near good enough. Antony doesn’t want to cross it; his first instinct is to see what he can do for himself. Marcus is more of a striker who wants to get on the end of things and see if he can finish.”

Hojlund isn’t the only one struggling with the weight of expectation at Manchester United in attack. Antony has yet to register a single goal or assist this campaign. At the same time, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have mustered just strikes goals in 27 combined appearances (Man Utd squad stats – Transfermarkt).

Now, the club could land a solution to their problems in the final third, according to latest developments.

Gabriel Barbosa targeted by Man Utd

According to The Mirror, Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa has emerged as a target for Manchester United and is available for a fee in the region of £20 million due to his contract being set to expire at the end of 2024. Flamengo are also believed to be keen on taking Red Devils’ winger Antony on loan in what could potentially evolve into a swap deal between both parties. Nevertheless, United will need to grapple with Serie A giants AC Milan for Barbosa’s signature in any prospective transfer pursuit.

Becoming a club legend at Flamengo, Barbosa has notched 139 goals and 38 assists in 246 appearances for the Brazilian outfit in all competitions (Barbosa stats – Transfermarkt). Speaking to the media, Flamengo legend Zico described Barbosa as a player who “has everything to be the greatest striker in Flamengo’s history.”

Gabriel Barbosa attacking stats 2023 – Campeonato Brasileiro (WhoScored)

Shots per game

2.1

Key passes per game

0.9

Dribbles completed per game

0.2

Nevertheless, the 27-year-old could now be set for an even bigger challenge as Man United look at a possible move to Old Trafford, where the Red Devils faithful may hope he can bolster their faltering forward line heading into the second half of the campaign.

Manchester United seemingly have their eye on the January transfer window, and the Red Devils are now reportedly prepared to pay one target’s release clause.

Man Utd transfer news – centre-backs

Erik ten Hag’s side have already lost nine games in all competitions this season, with the most recent coming against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League. The Dutchman once again opted to go with Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans at centre-back, leaving Raphael Varane on the bench. The Frenchman did replace Evans early on in the 4-3 defeat, however, he now hasn’t started the last four games for the Red Devils. A new centre-back appears to be on the radar in 2024, with recent reports suggesting Varane could be of interest to clubs in Saudi Arabia.

One player who has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford is Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio. The 22-year-old has been catching the eye of United and Premier League rivals Liverpool and European giants Real Madrid, with Fabrizio Romano previously labelling him as an “amazing option” and a “very rare” player.

“Goncalo Inacio continues to impress as one of the top young defenders in Europe, showing huge potential with Sporting Lisbon and recently working his way onto Manchester United’s potential list of targets. But there is also Liverpool – the Reds have always been in the stands to scout and follow Inacio, but at the same time they never sent official bids or started negotiations.

“There’s nothing new so far, as he signed a new deal at Sporting in August as there was nothing concrete happening with UK clubs. Still, I think he’d be an amazing option for any club, Liverpool or United in particular; left footed players at that level are very rare to find.”

Man Utd ready to trigger Goncalo Inacio’s release clause

According to a recent development covered by Correio da Manha, relayed by The Faithful MUFC, Man Utd are now prepared to trigger the player’s €60m (£52.3m) release clause in January by making an initial payment of €45m (£39.2m) and the remaining €15m in installments. United, Liverpool and Real Madrid are all planning to send their scouts to watch Inacio in action when Sporting take on Benfica in the Primeira Liga.

Inacio is a product of Sporting CP’s youth system and has gone on to become a regular for the club at first-team level. In total, the centre-back has made 137 senior appearances for Sporting, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists. (Goncalo Inacio stats – Transfermarkt)

He’s also now a senior Portugal international, and by the looks of things, he is going from strength to strength with a career-high €30m Transfermarkt valuation.

Therefore, the left-footed centre-back could be just what the Red Devils need, especially as four of their five centre-backs are aged 29 or over. Inacio could represent a sign of building for the future, possibly forming a partnership with Lisandro Martinez in the long run, making this one to watch heading into 2024.

Newcastle United are now one of the biggest spending clubs in the Premier League and Eddie Howe looks set to open their chequebook once again in the January window, according to reports.

Newcastle United transfer updates…

Newcastle United once again spent big in the summer transfer window as ambition levels in the North East continue to get loftier, with Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Yankuba Minteh, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall all arriving at St James' Park.

Despite performing slightly below expectations according to some in footballing circles, the Magpies sit seventh in the Premier League table with 20 points from their opening 12 fixtures. Nevertheless, they have won just two of their last six matches in all competitions and a recent spate of injuries has complicated matters as they aim to once again challenge for Champions League qualification.

Bringing in some additional quality in January will be an important endeavour for Howe as he tries to bolster key areas; nevertheless, Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, who has been mooted as a target for Newcastle United in recent times, is unlikely to arrive at the club in January as the Premier League considers implementing a ban on teams who loan players from sides they have an association with, as per Football Insider.

Reports in Denmark indicate that Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande is someone who is in Newcastle United's sights and a bid believed to be in the region of £58 million is being readied for the Ivory Coast international by Howe and company.

Now, a fresh report has indicated that the Toon could also look to strengthen their options in the final third by initiating a transcontinental swoop for a talented winger.

Newcastle United track Benjamin Rollheiser

According to reports from Argentina via Sport Witness, Newcastle United are keen on Estudiantes winger Benjamin Rollheiser once again after previous links with the 23-year-old in the summer transfer window.

Benjamin Rollheiser in 2023 – all competitions (Transfermarkt)

Appearances

54

Goals

12

Assists

6

The outlet claim that Estudiantes only own 50% of his rights, with the other half being retained by Rollheiser himself, alongside his entourage. Former Argentina Under-23 international Rollheiser is expected to move clubs in January after rejecting offers from clubs in England, Brazil and the United States in the summer to continue his time at the Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi.

Speaking earlier this year, Estudiantes manager Eduardo Dominguez revealed that he sees aspects of football legend Lionel Messi's game in Rollheiser, as he stated via Ole: "The comparison has to be with the maximum expression. It seems to me that he has things, if we understand that it is not that he is Messi. I don't know when another (player with Rollheiser's attributes) one will come out.

"Of course, today he is one of the most decisive players in Argentine football and he has to learn to take care of what he is achieving. I don't care what he is experiencing."

Casting their net across the globe, Newcastle look to be utilising their reach to the full extent as Howe eyes more talented players from far and wide to boost the depth and quality in his squad.

Paul Warne has turned things around at Derby County following a difficult start to the season. The Rams are on course to get a shot at making an appearance at Wembley at the very least, but will be well aware of just how many games are left to play in League One before they can potentially realise their dreaming of gaining a place back in the Championship.

As we approach the busy festive period, the last thing that Warne would have wanted is a number of injury blows. Yet, as we enter December, the Derby manager is set to be without one star player for an enxtended period.

Derby County injury news

The international break came at a disappointing time for Derby, who entered the break with just one loss in five games in all competitions. From Warne's perspective, his side's momentum had every chance of coming to an end without league action. Worse yet, he would have been aware of the dangers of those on international break picking up long-term injuries. And that's exactly what happened to one particular Derby star to deal the Rams a major blow ahead of an action-packed period of football.

Derby County eyeing January move to sign "incredible" new striker

The Rams are in need of reinforcements in pursuit of promotion…

ByTom Cunningham Nov 23, 2023

Warne confirmed that Conor Washington will miss the next three months after picking up ankle ligament damage, which requires surgery. Warne told BBC Radio Derby: It's a massive blow. Unfortunately he's damaged two of his three ligaments, so he is going to need an op and be out for 12 weeks after the op's taken place, and he hasn't had it yet. He's not in a good place, obviously.

"We are not going to boohoo about it – it's just disappointing. Every striker has a different attribute and Wash's is one where he could stretch the play for us and give us a different dimension. And he was starting to get, not his football mojo back, I don't mean it like that, but his form back possibly and think the fans started to see the good side of Wash, so it's a big blow."

What games will Washington miss?

Out for up to three months, Washington is likely to miss 17 of Derby's 29 remaining games in League One this season in what is clearly a real hit to their promotion chances. Washington's stats, which show that he has been involved in five goals this season in all competitions, suggest that the Rams will need to rely on the likes of James Collins for goals from here, as they look to set themselves up for play-off glory come their forward's return.

Out of the most important games. Washington will miss fixtures against the likes of Lincoln City, Oxford United, Peterborough, Stevenage and Barnsley, who are all vying for a place in the second tier. Given that Derby are just two points inside the play-off spots, too, they can ill-afford more slip-ups in the coming months.

In an ideal world, Washington will return with his side on course for promotion, giving him every opportunity to become a returning hero.

It was classic Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool bathed in the ineffable beauty of football's finest moments when resurrecting their attacking verve in the late stage of their Anfield encounter against Fulham on Sunday afternoon, turning the game on its head in the closing moments.

The 4-3 scoreline was probably apt, with Liverpool scoring some of the sumptuous strikes in the Premier League this season; that being said, the hosts' glaring defensive discrepancies were on full show, muddying the advance to second place after Manchester City's 3-3 draw to Tottenham Hotspur.

Liverpool star who lost possession 18x almost cost them alongside Kelleher

The attacker produced a disappointing performance against Fulham on Sunday.

ByDan Emery Dec 3, 2023

Frankly, Liverpool haven't been at their best for several weeks now but keep on churning out results, underscoring the never-say-die mentality that has restored the title challenge after a testing 2022/23 campaign.

The midfield summer signings have been spectacular, and while Dominik Szoboszlai has started every Premier League match since his £60m arrival from RB Leipzig, he has possibly plateaued of late.

Dominik Szoboszlai's performance vs Fulham

Szoboszlai has been a mainstay for Liverpool this term, scoring two goals and assists apiece from 19 appearances; in the English top-flight, he has been a whirlwind of creativity and composure, completing 88% of his passes and averaging 2.1 key passes and 6.9 ball recoveries per game.

But, might it be fair to say that the imperious swagger on display at the start of the campaign has lost a bit of its fizz? Of course, the Hungary captain has now settled into the system and charges the club's exploits in the engine room, but against Fulham, he suffered one of his more ineffective games.

Of course, that's not to say that he was objectively poor, winning 3/4 ground duels, completing 85% of his passes and making one key pass, as per Sofascore – also stinging Bernd Leno's palms with two rasping strikes.

But he was hooked just after the hour mark with the affair poised at 2-2, replaced by midweek hero Cody Gakpo as Klopp sought to maintain the chase on table-topping Arsenal.

Writing in his post-match ratings, GOAL's Peter McVitie branded the 23-year-old with a 5/10 score, writing: 'Another quiet performance from the summer signing, he didn't play with the same imagination and effectiveness as we saw earlier in the season.'

With a clash against Sheffield United forthcoming on Wednesday night, perhaps the Reds should think about dropping their "magician" – as he has been called by talent scout Jacek Kulig – who is destined for stardom but could benefit from a reset, especially with Harvey Elliott waiting in the wings…

Harvey Elliott's season so far

In contrast to Szoboszlai, Elliott has featured prominently across cup competitions this season but has only started once in the Premier League.

Despite this, the 20-year-old has impressed and is among the finest youngsters that English football has to offer, having now amassed 86 showings for the Merseyside outfit, posting six goals and assists apiece.

Having now entered December, Elliott deserves the opportunity to strut his stuff in the league, especially when considering that he ranks among the top 10% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 9% for progressive passes, the top 4% for progressive carries and the top 21% for blocks per 90, as per FBref.

The stats-led site has coincidentally highlighted Szoboszlai as a comparable player to the "special" talent, as dubbed by Jamie Carragher, which only strengthens the argument that he deserves a shot.

With Sheffield United in disarray; bottom of the Premier League and having just sacked manager Paul Heckingbottom, Klopp will expect his free-scoring squad to heap further misery on the bottom club.

With a relentless period of football awaiting, it might be prudent to rotate Szoboszlai for Elliott, providing the dynamic Redman with the chance to prove himself.

Newcastle United are close to agreeing a loan deal to sign a long-term target in January, according to a fresh report that has emerged this week.

Sandro Tonali replacements

After being found guilty of breaching several betting rules, Sandro Tonali has been banned from playing football for ten months, meaning that the club will have to cope without having him available until he stages his return to domestic action. With Bruno Guimaraes being the only other natural defensive midfielder that Eddie Howe has – and even he is better further forward – PIF will know that they need to enter the market to find a suitable successor, and there is one player in particular who has continued to be linked ever since the summer.

Newcastle eyeing move to sign "quality" £40m+ star for Howe

It could solve a current problem…

ByTom Cunningham Dec 6, 2023

Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips has fallen significantly low down in the pecking order having made zero starts and just four substitute appearances this season in the Premier League (WhoScored – Phillips statistics), and his potential availability has alerted club chiefs around the league.

The Magpies reportedly entered talks regarding a deal for the 28-year-old back in October, and with it since having also been revealed that he would be open to joining the club for the rest of the season, England’s international could soon be putting pen to paper at St. James’ Park if the following update is to be believed.

Newcastle set to sign Phillips

According to NUFC Blog, Newcastle are close to signing Phillips on loan, with an agreement between the two parties almost finalised ahead of January.

“Newcastle United are close to securing the signing of Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips. We’re told it’s now ‘a case of when not if’ regarding his proposed move to St James’ Park, with a loan deal all but agreed ahead of the January transfer window.”

Phillips can still be a "Rolls Royce" for Howe

While Phillips hasn’t been a regular feature under Pep Guardiola since joining Man City, he still currently ranks in the 99th percentile for pass completion and the 95th percentile for clearances per 90 when he does get the chance to play, highlighting his composure on the ball alongside his ability to get rid of the danger (FBRef – Phillips statistics).

The Leeds-born talent also has the versatility to operate as a centre-back as well as in three roles in the midfield, so his ability to provide cover in positions outside of his own should any unexpected injuries occur would make him a wonderful option to have in the building considering the Magpies' issues this term (Transfermarkt – Phillips statistics).

As dubbed by journalist Josh Bunting, Howe’s target is like a “Rolls Royce” because he’s more than capable of putting in a marauding box-to-box performance when called upon, and this is a quality that he could be able to showcase more should he put pen to paper on Tyneside.

Finally, Phillips shares the same representative, CAA Stellar, as Nick Pope, Javier Manquillo and Elliot Anderson (Newcastle agents), so this existing connection that his management already have to the club could give the board a small advantage in getting this deal across the line in January.

Glasgow Rangers secured their first away win over a Spanish side in European competition on Thursday evening as Real Betis were put to the sword in a dramatic Europa League clash.

The Light Blues led twice during the first half through goals by Abdallah Sima and Cyriel Dessers, yet Betis pegged them back each time, and it was all to play for in the second half.

The La Liga side had a goal ruled out with just 20 minutes left, but Philippe Clement had already brought on Rabbi Matondo and Kemar Roofe in order to add some dynamism to his attack.

The move worked a treat as Roofe tapped home the winner with just over ten minutes remaining and the travelling Ibrox faithful went wild.

Kemar Roofe scored in yet another big game

The 30-year-old has had his fair share of injury problems since joining Rangers, missing a total of 84 games through a succession of injuries.

His big-game mentality was never in question, however, as he had netted some massive goals for the club. Think back to the extra-time winner against Braga in the Europa League quarter-finals in 2022. Or the extra-time winner against Aberdeen back in January to send the Gers to the League Cup final.

Against Betis, he may not have done too much of note, but by scoring the winner, he proved that he is always there at the right time.

It was perhaps John Lundstram who was one of the better performers on the night, however, and he is emerging as a key player under Clement.

John Lundstram’s game in numbers vs Betis

During the run to the Europa League final in 2022, Lundstram was sensational. He scored goals against Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, with the latter turning out to be the winner in the semifinal.

The Englishman is getting back to that sort of form under Clement, and he shone vs Betis on Thursday evening.

Journalist David Irvine of the Glasgow Times gave the midfielder a rating of 8/10 for his display, stating that he was a ‘standout’ while he also ‘did the dirty work in the centre of the midfield’ and his performance went a long way to the Gers securing the win.

Lundstram succeeded with 100% of his dribble attempts along with making an interception and clearance, yet his relentlessness was a driving factor in the end result.

He may have lost possession seven times, but the former Sheffield United gem wasn’t shy in trying to win it back and having a player willing to cover every blade of grass is going to be crucial for the club over the next few weeks.

Latest Rangers transfer news: Gers want PL teen; Saudi link to midfield ace

Who is Philippe Clement eyeing up in the transfer window ahead of his first full season at Ibrox?

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 9, 2024

55 touches and an 86% pass success rate might not be perfect, but Lundstram executed his role wonderfully and with a League Cup final on Sunday to look forward to, the Light Blues will be brimming with confidence.

If Lundstram can replicate Thursday evening's display at Hampden against Aberdeen, the Glasgow side will control the midfield and this should allow them to win the match and with it, a first League Cup trophy since 2011.

Jurgen Klopp appears to have distanced himself from some of the high-profile names that have entered transfer circulation now that the January market is in full swing, but Liverpool are still likely to make a move in some capacity this month.

Indeed, CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs has recently revealed that top targets Andre, Joao Palhinha and Piero Hincapie are not being pursued at present, with the Anfield boss claiming that concluding impactful deals in January is no easy feat.

That said, if the right opportunity arises then Liverpool will pounce – as has been evidenced across recent winter windows; Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo.

Liverpool transfer news – Federico Redondo

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are among the contenders to sign Argentinios Juniors midfielder Federico Redondo in 2024, with the South American club transfer-listing the 20-year-old prodigy for just £8m.

Manchester United and LaLiga giants Real Madrid are also interested, and while Liverpool would not usually make a swoop for an untested prospect in this manner, the affordable fee and abundant quality could urge Klopp to initiate a formal approach.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

The No. 6 is one of the hottest commodities in Argentina right now, causing a storm with his precocious performances, and the winter window offers the perfect chance to strengthen on Merseyside.

Federico Redondo's style of play

Described as a “baller” by one journalist, Redondo has amassed 58 total appearances for his side since rising from the youth ranks, posting two goals and assists apiece, impressing last term after completing 87% of his passes and succeeding with 68% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

As per FBref, the starlet ranks among the top 15% of midfielders across divisions similar to the Argentine Primera División for pass completion, the top 19% for passes attempted, the top 12% for progressive passes and the top 15% for successful take-ons per 90, showcasing his skill as an elite-level "controller" in the centre – as has been said of Redondo's ability by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

What this effectively means is that he is the metronomic presence in the middle, dictating play, picking out passages with his rangy game and protecting the backline.

While not a carbon copy stylistically, he could prove to be Liverpool's next Alexis Mac Allister, with his World Cup-winning countryman also beginning his career with Argentinos Juniors before moving to Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2019.

More accurate are the comparisons to Manchester City's Rodri, who wouldn't be a bad player to emulate if you are of a Liverpool persuasion and seeking a star in the making.

How Federico Redondo compares to Rodri

It was the aforementioned Kulig who made the comparison, writing that Manchester City's all-conquering midfield machine is the most similar profile to Argentinian football's latest prodigy.

Highlighting Redondo's biggest strengths in superb positioning and spatial awareness, sublime distribution, and his skill as a 'consistent, aggressive, and hard-tackling midfielder, with a very high work rate', there is little question that he is cut from the same cloth.

But to ascend to the level of the Spaniard, he would need to develop such attributes and sharpen them to a wicked point, with Rodri widely regarded as the best No. 6 in the world.

The 27-year-old ranks among the top 1% for pass completion and passes attempted, the top 3% for progressive passes and the top 12% for goals scored per 90.

He has also averaged a stunning 7.9 ball recoveries in the Premier League this season and succeeded in 77% of his dribbles and 75% of his aerial battles, dominant in the centre of Pep Guardiola's intricate system at the Etihad Stadium.

Should Redondo join Liverpool, he could nurture his innate ability to grow into a leading figure in European competition, and for a low fee, Klopp surely has to be all over this one.

West Ham United could make a move for one club's in-form young forward following his brilliant 2023/2024 campaign, according to an insider.

Moyes eyeing new forwards at West Ham

The Hammers are believed to chasing new attacking options for manager David Moyes, both out wide and in the striker position.

West Ham may approach "selfless" Premier League defender to replace Aguerd

The Moroccan could leave.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 6, 2024

As previously reported, West Ham are one of many clubs chasing Serhou Guirassy from Stuttgart, with the Guinea international's tantalising £15 million release clause coming as a particularly big draw.

Technical director Tim Steidten has apparently been working on a move for Guirassy, but there are other attacking targets which co-chairman David Sullivan and the German have in mind.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is a player West Ham admire, as is Jack Clarke of Sunderland (ExWHUemployee), but another target who comes as pretty interesting is Norwich City star Jonathan Rowe.

West Ham could make a move for Rowe

Indeed, according to reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, West Ham could make a move for Rowe as they keep tabs on his situation at Carrow Road.

Rowe is on a list of forward players who West Ham are watching this window, and we believe his sky-high potential could be a particularly big draw for the Hammers.

The 20-year-old has been in fine form under David Wagner this season, scoring 10 goals and assisting two others in 24 Championship appearances so far as one of the Canaries' star players.

"One player making a lot of noise is Jonathan Rowe, Norwich's 20-year-old winger has scored five goals in nine appearances and was named EFL Young Player of the Month in August," said Carlton Palmer to Football League World in October.

"His scintillating form has seen him earn a call-up to England's under-20 squad. If he can keep producing performances like he's doing then he's going to become a very hot commodity.

"He could be worth upwards of £20m, I'd definitely put him in the same category as Gnonto at Leeds United."

Rowe is a real one to watch it would seem, with Norwich boss David Wagner also praising the player's development and attitude this season.

Norwich City 2-1 Hull City

8.44

Huddersfield Town 0-4 Norwich City

7.94

Norwich City 2-0 Birmingham City

7.75

Coventry 0-0 Norwich City

7.70

Norwich City 3-1 Millwall

7.68

"He's a good character," said Wagner after Rowe was called up to England's Under-21 squad.

"He knows that he deserves the praise which he gets, but he knows as well that he had to work very hard for it and the most important thing is he knows if he only continues what he has done so far, this will not be enough for the future. He now has to have the moments where you have to invest more and he will do so. Hopefully he stays healthy. We can be very, very happy that he is in our team.

“I am very happy about the steps which he has done since. And now we have to make sure that we support him, that he stays as focused as he can, because this is the most important thing."