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West Ham United are currently sitting pretty in fifth position in the Premier League table as David Moyes’ charges aim to upset the odds once again this season by finishing in a European qualification spot.

A strong start to the campaign saw the Hammers lose just one of their opening nine fixtures in all competitions, but their recent form has been in sharp contrast.

Following the latest international break back in November, West Ham have won just one top-flight game – albeit a thrilling 3-2 victory over Champions League holders Chelsea – seeing them drop out of the top four.

Injuries to first-choice centre-backs Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma have significantly undermined the capital club’s efforts, yet it’s their issues at the other end of the pitch that will be giving Moyes the most cause for concern.

Star striker Michail Antonio started 2021/22 in remarkable form, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in his opening 11 games of the season in all competitions.

However, since then, the Jamaica international has looked a shadow of his former self. In his subsequent eight outings, the 31-year-old has failed to find the back of the net, adding just one assist to his tally.

Antonio’s woes have heavily contributed to the east London outfit’s current goal drought, spanning over 270 minutes of football, meaning Moyes must add further reinforcements up front over the January transfer window.

Since Sebastien Haller departed the London Stadium last winter, the former Nottingham Forest ace has been the only recognised striker in West Ham’s first-team squad.

As a result, an over-reliance on Antonio as a source of goals has developed and Moyes currently has no alternative options to call upon in order to rest his star man as his nightmare in front of goal continues.

But the solution to their attacking woes could be an obvious one after the capital club were linked with a move for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.

According to Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness), the Irons are keen on launching a bid for the 22-year-old talisman in January, although they are set to face extensive competition for his signature.

The 6 foot 1 beast has been sensational for the Primeira Liga table-toppers this term, bagging a sensational 14 goals in 19 appearances, taking his tally up to 28 for the Eagles.

Darwin’s eye-catching performances saw talent scout Jacek Kulig laud his “world-class potential” last year, and now he’s beginning to fulfil it.

Therefore, Moyes must move for the Uruguay international in order to get West Ham’s season back on track, providing some much-needed cover and competition for Antonio along the way.

This is well and truly a signing that could end the Jamaica international’s misery in offensive areas. They have to sign him.

And, in other news…Moyes can seal West Ham masterclass with move for “unbelievable” £7.2m-rated “monster” 

A concerning claim has emerged after Tottenham Hotspur’s move to appoint Paulo Fonseca fell through last week…

What’s the word?

The 48-year-old looked likely to be announced as Jose Mourinho’s successor before the saga took yet another stunning twist after the club broke off talks, as per the BBC.

More details about the situation have since emerged with Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) revealing that Spurs’ new director of football betrayed the former AS Roma boss by turning his attentions to Gennaro Gattuso, which soon caused fan backlash on social media.

It’s claimed that Fonseca and Paratici spent two days at Lake Como discussing plans and that’s when things began to falter, also suggesting that it wasn’t related to finances.

“In reality, however, it is Paratici who changes course when he realises that Fonseca would like to play with his preferred form, the 4-2-3-1, and not with the three-man defence.”

There was also said to be a disagreement over the backroom staff, with the Italian wanting him to work with people in Spurs’ current set-up.

Concerning news

It’s blatantly obvious that Spurs are in a mess right now.

Fonseca was even considered to be their sixth-choice option, behind names like Julian Nagelsmann, Brendan Rodgers, Mauricio Pochettino and Antonio Conte, so to not secure him is rather damning.

But what is most concerning is the potential influence of Paratici on the pitch.

When the 48-year-old was announced over a week ago, Spurs claimed in a statement that he would be “responsible for managing and developing the club’s sporting operations, facilities and footballing infrastructure.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-spurs-news-transfer-gossip-rumours-manager-update-fonseca-paratici-levy” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, manager gossip, transfer rumours, injury updates and more!”]

He’s the first man since Franco Baldini in 2015 to hold such a position in North London but could he already possess too much influence on the playing squad, coaching staff and tactics?

It seems bizarre for a director of football, who is supposed to act as a talent spotter and deal with transfer negotiations off the pitch, to be so directly concerned with how the team shapes up on it.

Not only will it lower the pool of candidates that he’ll have to choose from – something that is already drastically decreasing by the day it – but it also means the next head coach will have very power or much of a say in anything.

Seeing as the Spurs faithful have already protested against Levy and the ENIC Group in recent weeks, this latest development will not go down well whatsoever.

It’s a worrying time to be a Lilywhites fan right now, that much is now clear.

AND in other news, Fresh twist emerges in Spurs’ managerial saga that’ll surely leave fans buzzing…

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer does not believe it was Jose Mourinho’s decision to bring Gareth Bale back to Tottenham.

Mourinho was recently sacked as Spurs boss after months of speculation about unrest in the north London club’s dressing room.

And, as reported by the Evening Standard earlier this year, Bale was one player who did not always enjoy the best of relationships with Mourinho.

Ultimately, with everything that has gone on behind the scenes, especially disputes regarding Bale’s fitness, Palmer has questioned whether Mourinho wanted the Welsh forward back at Tottenham in the first place.

Discussing the 58-year-old’s recent dismissal in an exclusive interview with FFC, Palmer said:

“It’s always easy to get rid of the manager than get rid of the players. There seems to be no love lost between Gareth Bale and Jose and it’s interesting. Reading between the lines, I don’t think that was Jose’s decision to bring Gareth Bale in.

“I think the criticism that was labelled at Gareth Bale was fair by Jose Mourinho. He’s come back to the football club; he wasn’t fit. He wasn’t fit to play.”

Like Mourinho, Bale also looks set to leave Tottenham. The 31-year-old Wales international recently stated that it is his intention to return to Real Madrid and see out the remaining year of his contract there.

Everton boss Frank Lampard has been dealt a fresh injury setback ahead of an all-important Sunday trip to Liverpool. 

The lowdown

Everton travel to Anfield for the 16.30 kick-off looking to cause an upset against the title-chasing Reds.

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Any points could be crucial in their battle for survival, with the Blues just a point ahead of 18th-place Burnley at the start of the day (albeit with a game in hand).

Donny van de Beek, who’s on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season, had started five Premier League matches in a row before hitting injury trouble.

He missed four straight games with a thigh problem but was on the back bench against Leicester City in midweek.

That should have put him in starting contention against the Reds, but it appears he’s suffered a fresh setback in a blow for Lampard.

The latest

Ben Dinnery, an injury analyst and a contributor for Sky Sports, tweeted that ‘the Toffees’ injury problems continue’.

He reported that, according to Everton boss Lampard, both Van de Beek and fellow midfielder Andre Gomes would miss the game with groin injuries.

The verdict

Everton have been hit particularly hit by injuries this season.

As of 5 April, Everton led the way in the Premier League for most absences and for injuries suffered per 1,000 minutes played.

It’s been a significant factor in their struggles this season. With better luck, they might not have been in such deep trouble.

In addition to Van de Beek and Gomes, Lampard will be without Nathan Patterson (ankle), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (quad), Tom Davies (thigh) and Andros Townsend (knee).

That makes a daunting task at Anfield all the more difficult.

In other news, Everton risk losing one of their biggest stars.

Sunderland fans have been reacting after Chris Maguire scored for the club’s U23 side against Burnley on Monday.

The Black Cats hosted the Clarets in the Premier League 2. The score ended up being 3-0 to the home side, and Maguire was on the scoresheet. The victory now means the Wearside outfit are up to ninth in the Group 2 table with 24 points from 18 matches (flashscore.com).

To see Maguire playing at this level may seem unusual. After all, he is 32 years of age and has appeared 29 times in League One already this term, scoring four times and providing five assists (Transfermarkt). However, he has not started a match in the third tier since December 12th of last year, against Wigan, and he is therefore clearly in need of some match practice as we approach the end of the campaign.

The news of his goal was shared on Sunderland’s official Twitter account, and the fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Maguire below

“Imagine my shock”

Credit: @RyanC2408

“The king has spoken”

Credit: @SAFCAcademy

“shock”

Credit: @kylesafc_73

“THE KING IS BACK”

Credit: @KINGMAGUIRE1

“Fantastic Chris but please save one for an important league game!”

Credit: @Squealer66

“Baffles me why he’s even playing in this game. He should be in the first team.”

Credit: @CameraChris79

In other news, Sunderland fans love this club video.

Aston Villa have been credited with an interest in Southampton midfielder Oriol Romeu.

And a number of Villa fans have been giving their thoughts to the links on social media.

John Percy of The Telegraph shared in the site’s transfer notebook on Tuesday evening that Villa see a defensive midfielder as a vital position to strengthen.

Romeu, on £59,000-a-week, is admired by Villa’s recruitment side, however, Percy adds that the Saints will be very reluctant to sell, making a deal unlikely at this stage.

As we know with Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe, that may not put Villa off moving for Romeu after planning a second bid for the Gunners midfielder.

Romeu still has two years remaining on his St Mary’s deal and has made 212 appearances for Southampton since joining the club in 2015.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared the links to Romeu late on Tuesday evening. Here’s what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with one describing the holding midfielder as a ‘tank’.

“No way”Credit: @CarlvHarris”PERCY AT IT AGAIN”Credit: @joshcrispp”Guy is a tank, loves a tackle and a yellow card. Oh go on then.”Credit: @lewastbury”Percy on a mad one”Credit: @aston_1997″we’re actually winning the league”Credit: @catrinedwards18″Decent DM”Credit: @AVFCFaithful_

In other news: ‘Crown us champions’, ‘Massive’ – Many AVFC fans erupt at ‘tasty’ Percy claim, find out more here. 

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Marcus Bent has ruled out Everton signing Jack Wilshere this summer.

The 29-year-old is looking to get his career back on track having been released by Bournemouth back in May but hasn’t been a regular in the Premier League for five seasons.

Wilshere finally left Arsenal back in 2018 to make the short trip to boyhood club West Ham, but turned out just 19 times across two years before they let him go 12 months ago.

Bournemouth, who he’d spent the 2016-2017 campaign with under Eddie Howe, then offered him a lifeline in January, and despite proving his fitness to make 18 appearances, he wasn’t rewarded with a long-term deal.

Despite remaining injury-free, Wilshere has only managed 30 or more games once in the previous eight seasons following several injury setbacks.

And although Bent previously told FFC that his former side Everton are looking to bring in a central-midfielder this window, he believes there’s better options out there than the ex-Arsenal man.

He told Football FanCast:

“No, he’s 29 now, injury prone having been released by Bournemouth.

“He was a brilliant youngster, did well for Arsenal, but I don’t think Everton want to take the chance on someone like that – I think for the money they can go out and get someone else for younger and as talented as he is.”

Leeds United are interested in signing Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara this summer, but other Premier League clubs are also keen.

The 10-man Whites picked up a famous victory on Saturday, winning 2-1 away to Manchester City in the dying seconds thanks to Stuart Dallas’ double. It was a win which took Marcelo Bielsa’s side ninth in the table at the time, with other results meaning they have since slipped to 10th.

Although it was further proof of this Leeds side’s brilliance, it is still vital that reinforcements come in this summer, allowing the squad to keep improving.

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Leeds linked with Kamara move

According to the Daily Mail, Rangers are ‘fighting’ to keep hold of Kamara, with a number of suitors keen on acquiring his signature.

Leeds’ interest is confirmed in the report, while Brighton, Southampton, Burnley and Watford are also mentioned as being interested in the midfielder who has been described as having a “fantastic attitude” by Steven Gerrard, his manager at Ibrox.

Transfer Tavern take

Making the step up from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League isn’t always easy, but Kamara looks a formidable player, with 27 caps to his name for Finland, not to mention being a key man in Rangers’ title-winning season.

He was also once on the academy books at Arsenal and made one senior appearance for the club during Arsene Wenger’s reign in charge, an EFL Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday in 2015. A profile on Kamara by The Athletic wrote that he would ‘fit the mould of the sort of midfielder’ that the then-Gunners manager would have been seeking.

The 25-year-old could add depth to the Leeds midfield, bringing the same defensive nous that Kalvin Phillips offers in front of the back-line, averaging one tackle and 0.9 interceptions per game in the Premiership this season.

In other news, the absence of one Leeds man against Manchester City has been explained by Phil Hay. Read more here.

Two clubs reportedly want to sign Christian Atsu from Newcastle United once the summer transfer window opens.

The Lowdown: Atsu frozen out

Atsu barely played for the Magpies in the 2020/21 season – in fact, he made only one appearance, coming on for just 10 minutes in their 1-0 home win over Blackburn Rovers in the Carabao Cup second round (Transfermarkt).

Therefore, both club and player will surely be looking for a move away from the northeast for the Ghanaian, with two clubs reportedly interested in his signature.

The Latest: Two clubs want Atsu

As per Sports World Ghana, both Huddersfield Town and Al Hilal are interested in signing Atsu once the market opens. His current deal with the Magpies expires on June 30, so he will become a free agent after that assuming that a new contract is not offered to him in the meantime.

That seems highly unlikely as Steve Bruce has already told him to find a new club, and with regards to Huddersfield, manager Carlos Corberan has tasked the Terriers’ management to sign him up, with a meeting between the Championship club’s sporting director and the player’s representatives expected to take place in the coming days.

The Verdict: Atsu must leave

A deal for Atsu to leave Newcastle would suit all parties involved.

With the player currently earning £30,000 per week, the Magpies would save a lot of money by getting rid of the Ghana international, and they already have players like Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser who can play in his position on the left flank.

As for Atsu himself, he needs to be going out and playing regular football, especially being 29 years of age, and Huddersfield could well be able to offer him that given that Corberan has already expressed his strong desire to sign him.

With his current contract at St James’ Park running out next month, he will likely be able to move on as a free agent anyway, so any potential deal shouldn’t be too complicated.

In other news, find out what Mohamed Bin Salman insight Ben Jacobs has dropped on the potential takeover.

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has dropped a behind-the-scenes claim at Aston Villa about what Johan Lange is pushing for from Dean Smith.

What’s the story?

The Midlands club enjoyed a busy summer transfer window which saw numerous players come in and Jack Grealish head to Manchester City, but one man who has kind of been lost in the shuffle over the past few months is Morgan Sanson.

Writing for The Athletic, Evans revealed: “It’s understood that sporting director Johan Lange was very keen for Sanson, who made his first appearance in 149 days for the under-21s last night, to be given a chance to show what he is made of, too. It was Lange who pushed hard for that particular move, with CEO Christian Purslow agreeing that a £14 million deal last January represented good value for money.”

He added: “Whether a perceived fragility comes back to bite Villa in their quest for the top half remains to be seen. Can Luiz pull it all together to become the defensive midfielder Villa are missing? Will Nakamba find some consistency? Or does Sanson fill the gap? The weeks and months ahead should provide some answers.”

Villa fans may be fuming

In what was a rather frustrating first half-season in English football for Sanson, the Frenchman made just nine appearances in the Premier League totaling 291 minutes worth of football.

Following his disappointing displays, former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny said: “I don’t see why they wouldn’t sell him if he’s not producing. It’s only six months and sometimes you’ve got to give players a little bit more time. Not everyone settles well in this country.

“But if they are interested in a couple more midfielders then that could be a sign. There’s no shame in cutting your losses and moving on. People make mistakes. You’re never going to get every signing spot-on.”

Such has been the disappointment surrounding him that reports emerged even in late March that Villa chiefs felt they had made a big mistake in bringing Sanson to the club, and that “he is said to be very difficult to manage, and proved to be so much trouble for two of his former agents they decided to let him go.”

The report added that “there is a feeling in the corridors of power the club ‘haven’t done their homework’ over the 26-year-old Frenchman.”

Given that Villa were after the likes of James Ward-Prowse over the summer transfer window, it was clear that Smith was looking to bring in a new central midfielder. The fact that they haven’t done so, and may need to turn towards a player who both the coaching and recruitment staff seemingly feel isn’t up to scratch, is sure to leave fans fuming.

Lange pushing for Sanson to be given a chance is understandable given that he has only been here for a few months, but should that have been at the expense of potentially pushing the boat out for landing one of their big targets like Ward-Prowse?

Villa fans may be livid over this latest update from Evans.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has confirmed a major boost…