Newcastle United are in the midst of a crisis right now with 13 first-team players currently sidelined through injury and suspension which is certainly a worry for head coach Eddie Howe.

The Magpies' form has dipped too, with the team dropping to eighth in the Premier League table, below Manchester United, while Howe's men are also on the cusp of exiting the Champions League and a massive game away at Paris Saint-Germain next week could be the final nail in the coffin.

Newcastle's attacking department is down to the bare bones, with winger Anthony Gordon being tasked with leading the line during the team's recent 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth.

The club have started working on plans to improve depth in the forward positions and have identified one star who could change the team's fortunes.

Newcastle transfer news – Jota

According to 90min, Newcastle United are looking to make a move for the former Celtic attacker Jota, who is currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with league champions Al-Ittihad, having moved to the Middle East for £25m during the summer as a two-time Scottish Premiership winner.

The Portuguese winger has had limited game-time at Al-Ittihad as he wasn't registered in the first-team squad past the transfer window since clubs in the Saudi Pro League can only have eight foreign players at one point. There were rumours that the 24-year-old would be freed from his contract by the Saudi side but min have revealed that this now seems unlikely.

Furthermore, Newcastle would be forced to acquire Jota permanently from Al-Ittihad as Premier League teams are set to vote to prohibit any clubs from signing players on loan from affiliated sides. The Mags would fall under this category as a result of being bought by the PIF back in 2021.

How Jota compares with Anthony Gordon

Jota has struggled for minutes since moving to Saudi Arabia as a result of being unregistered. Overall, the Portugal international has featured just seven times for Al-Ittihad but only two of those games have come since September 1 in the AFC Champions League.

However, the winger had an exceptional season at Celtic under Ange Postecoglou last term. In 43 appearances for the Glasgow giants, Jota bagged 27 goal contributions in all competitions, including 15 goals and 12 assists, leading Postecoglou to call him "unbelievable". League top scorer Kyogo Furuhashi was the only player to contribute to more goals at Celtic last season.

Statistically, Jota had a far better season in the previous campaign than Gordon has had this term and has proven himself to be a greater threat in and around the penalty area than the Magpies' £45m winter signing.

Goals

0.47

0.28

Expected Goals

0.29

0.3

Assists

0.4

0.14

Expected Assists

0.25

0.12

Key Passes

2.81

0.92

Progressive Carries

5

3.46

Successful Take-Ons %

55%

41.2%

Stats via FBref

Gordon has scored four goals in 17 appearances this term and has come into his own a little in the current campaign. However, Jota has proven himself adept at playing anywhere along the front three during his playing career and can create chances but also finish them off, boasting an impressive take-on success, as well as a higher degree of key passes.

Howe could massively upgrade his forward line with the arrival of Jota this winter, especially since the Portuguese livewire would link up extremely well with Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, just like he did with 34-goal Kyogo last term.

Liverpool are believed to be ahead of Premier League rivals Manchester City in the race to sign a world-renowned player who is "perfect" for them.

Liverpool want January signings

The Reds put all of their focus on rebuilding their midfield during the summer transfer window, and it has paid dividends greatly, with the likes of Dominic Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister catching the eye.

It could now be that Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his defence and attack next, with figures such as Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah not getting any younger. Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool, for example, while Leroy Sane has been seen as a Reds transfer target in recent weeks, too.

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Now, another transfer update has dropped over Liverpool's potential future business, with the January window edging closer all the time.

Liverpool receive Leroy Sane boost

Speaking to Caught Offside, journalist Christian Falk claimed that Liverpool now appear to have the edge over Man City for the signing of Sane, with the German, labelled as "perfect" for the Reds, not keen on returning to the Etihad in a boost for those at Anfield.

"The big question around Leroy has always been about his mentality. This was a big discussion with Pep Guardiola. Speaking of which, there were rumours around Manchester City also being interested in the player – I heard this was an option, but I also heard that Sane doesn’t want to go back there.

"Jurgen Klopp is a coach who can get his players to buy into the work rate you need at Liverpool. This would be an intelligent move for Liverpool to get Sane, as he has everything; if you can add a working mentality to this (which Jurgen Klopp can perhaps give him), he would be perfect for Liverpool.

"Leroy Sane made a huge development at Bayern Munich regarding his work rate in recent years, tracking back in addition to his offensive output. Now you see why he’s so good now, as he’s also doing this job."

There is no question that Sane is an elite-level footballer whose natural ability has stood out so much down the years, shining for both City and Bayern Munich with his brilliance out wide. The 27-year-old Liverpool target has also scored 13 goals in 59 caps for Germany, showing that he can be a force at international level, and his ability to play on either flank makes him a nightmare to play against for defenders.

Mohamed Salah

12

Diogo Jota

8

Darwin Nunez

7

Cody Gakpo

4

Luis Diaz

4

That being said, Sane turns 28 next year and may not remain at the peak of his powers for too much longer, and given the amount of money that the Reds may have to spend on him, they could be wise to bring in a younger alternative. The Germany ace also hasn't been without controversy down the years, following an incident with former Liverpool hero Sadio Mane when both were at Bayern together, but it could still be a move to keep an eye on.

Leeds United are an impressive force in the Championship and could now be set for a huge boost away from the pitch regarding one of their star men, according to BBC pundit Carlton Palmer.

Leeds United's impressive recent form…

Since suffering relegation last term, Leeds United have managed to stabilise themselves to some extent and have produced some commendable form in England's second tier, winning six of their last seven matches on league duty. Daniel Farke has proven himself to be a shrewd appointment by the Leeds United hierarchy based on current evidence and will be hoping his side can improve on their current league position of third, with 31 points taken from their opening 16 fixtures.

The Whites travel to face Rotherham United at the AESSEAL New York Stadium on Friday evening, as they return from international duty with designs on cutting second-placed Ipswich Town's eight-point advantage down to five ahead of the weekend's round of matches.

Pascal Struijk, Stuart Dallas, Jamie Shackleton, Joe Gelhardt, Djed Spence and Sam Byram have all had recent injury issues and it remains to be seen who is fit enough to return to contention for Leeds United's away clash in South Yorkshire, as cited by Leeds Live.

It was hoped that the former four would return to training at some point. At the same time, former Norwich City full-back Byram was taken off in the Whites' victory over Plymouth Argyle before the international break owing to a hamstring problem.

Entering a congested period of fixtures, Leeds United will hope to keep pace with the chasing pack for promotion and could now receive a major boost involving one of their star players.

Leeds United's upcoming fixtures – all competitions

Competition

Opponent

Venue

Sky Bet Championship

Rotherham United (A)

AESSEAL New York Stadium

Sky Bet Championship

Swansea City (H)

Elland Road

Sky Bet Championship

Middlesbrough (H)

Elland Road

Sky Bet Championship

Blackburn Rovers (A)

Ewood Park

Sky Bet Championship

Sunderland (A)

Stadium of Light

Carlton Palmer drops Archie Gray verdict

Speaking to Football League World, BBC pundit Palmer has delivered some exciting information he has heard out of Elland Road involving Leeds United star Archie Gray.

Recent reports have linked Gray with a big-money move to Premier League giants Liverpool. At the same time, Everton and Crystal Palace are said to be keen on the 17-year-old midfielder, as per The Daily Mail.

Palmer told the outlet in light of rumours indicating Leeds United could be set to open talks over a new contract for Gray: "Leeds United are confident that Archie Gray – the 17-year-old prodigy – will commit his future to the club, despite interest from top clubs at home and abroad.

"Leeds have slapped a whooping £30-40m price tag on the young man's head. But in a massive boost for the club in their quest to reclaim their Premier League status once again, Gray has given the club the indication that he's happy where he is, and wants to continue his footballing education at Leeds United under Daniel Farke. This is great news for the manager, the club and the supporters."

Having made 17 appearances across all competitions in 2023/24 for Leeds United, Gray looks to be a player with a massive future in the game and keeping him at Elland Road would provide a major boost for everyone connected with the club (Gray statistics – Transfermarkt).

Unlike last season, Arsenal are not sitting top of the Premier League table by late November. However, Mikel Arteta's men are still just one point behind the golden spot this term, with two-thirds of the season left to play.

Arteta looked to strengthen his midfield department during the summer to avoid last season's collapse once more, bringing Declan Rice and Kai Havertz to the club for a combined total of £170m, but arguably the weakest component of the Gunners' side is the number 'nine' position.

Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have led the line this season, but neither has been a prolific goalscorer throughout their respective careers. Nevertheless, there is still one more option that Arteta could try before the January transfer window opens to save some money.

Arsenal's centre-forward option

Having picked up a devastating knee injury at the World Cup last season, Jesus spent a number of months sidelined. It was suggested by journalist Dean Jones that Gabriel Martinelli should get the nod to play down the middle, having had a fantastic campaign off the left. The Brazilian has played up top 16 times before in his professional career and scored nine goals in all competitions.

Last season, Martinelli proved to Arteta that he is one of Arsenal's major goal threats, having scored 16 goals in 36 Premier League appearances, leading journalist Mark Mann-Bryans to label the winger as a "monster" for some of his displays in a red and white shirt. Martinelli was also handed a new deal for his excellent performances worth £180k-per-week.

Nevertheless, with Jesus still absent with an injury and Nketiah recovering from a slight knock, Arteta opted to deploy Leandro Trossard as Arsenal's striker against Burnley and Sevilla and the Belgian scored against the former. The Spanish coach also has Havertz as an option to play as a false 'nine' but the German featured at left-back on Saturday night for his national team in a 3-2 defeat at home to Turkey, scoring within five minutes, and may have found a new role for himself in the process.

Regardless, Trossard and Havertz don't possess the natural goalscoring instinct that Martinelli does, as the duo have bagged just eight goals in total since joining the club.

Gabriel Martinelli's stats this season

Jesus has scored four goals this season for Arsenal while Nketiah has registered one more than his Brazilian counterpart. The pair are being outscored by Trossard who has found the net six times and is the Gunners' joint-top scorer in the current campaign alongside Bukayo Saka. Despite being out-and-out centre-forwards, neither Jesus nor Nketiah have proven themselves to be consistent goalscorers under Arteta.

Meanwhile, Martinelli has turned into one of Europe's great wingers. Statistically, the 22-year-old stands out from the crowd when compared to all wide players from Europe's top-five leagues. Martinelli is in the top 9% for non-penalty goals per 90 and the top 11% for non-penalty expected goals per 90. Additionally, the Arsenal star ranks in the top 2% for touches in the opposition's penalty area per 90 as well as the top 5% for progressive passes received per 90.

According to FBref's player comparison model, Martinelli's data is most comparable to Vinicius Jr., Saka, Raheem Sterling, and even Mohamed Salah. Arsenal's number eleven may not reach Erling Haaland-numbers for goals but is currently outperforming Jesus and Nketiah on a host of key attacking metrics this season and should be given an opportunity by Arteta to showcase his talents up top.

Goals

0.13

0.25

0.59

Shots

2.13

2.5

2.94

Goals per shot

0.06

0.1

0.2

Shots on target

1

0.74

0.82

xG

0.14

0.44

0.36

Touches in opposition's box

7.88

6

6

Key passes

2.13

1

0.71

Progressive passes received

15.1

6.75

5.29

Assists

0.25

0

0

Stats via FBref

Martinelli is scoring at a lesser rate than Jesus and Nketiah because it's difficult to have quality chances when cutting in from the left due to the angle of the shot. However, the Brazilian is creating more opportunities and isn't lagging too far behind on goalscoring metrics.

With that in mind, Arteta should give Martinelli a shot up top to showcase what he can do in the absence of Jesus.

Barring recent slip-ups, Tottenham Hotspur have been as close to perfect as possible under Ange Postecoglou, who has revived the Lilywhites following the disastrous stints of Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Nuno Espirito Santo. The former Celtic boss has the North London club on course to finish inside the Premier League's top four and even has them among those gunning for the league title.

Postecoglou will be well aware of the fact that his side are far from the finished article, however, and the transfer window could give him the chance to add some much-needed depth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. And that could include the addition of one specific reported target.

Spurs transfer news

Spurs recruited well in the summer, spending the Harry Kane money in wise fashion to welcome the likes of James Maddison, Micky van de Ven and Guglielmo Vicario, who have all enjoyed excellent starts to life in North London. We saw just how frail the current Spurs squad are recently though, with suspensions to Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie, alongside injuries to Van de Ven and Maddison, leaving the Lilywhites in crisis mode and on the losing side against Wolverhampton Wanderers. This is a problem that Postecoglou must solve, perhaps starting from the very back.

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According to Football Insider, Spurs are keeping close tabs on Gavin Bazunu, who has continued to impress in the Championship at Southampton. Spurs' recruitment team reportedly consider the shot-stopper to be a top prospect, who ticks the box of being a young star full of potential. It remains to be seen whether they put an offer in for the Republic of Ireland international, but they certainly need a back-up for Vicario. As things stand, the Lilywhites have Hugo Lloris and Fraser Forster in the pecking order, both of whom are out of contract next summer.

"Incredible" Bazunu ticks all the boxes for Spurs

It would represent more progress at Spurs if they swapped out Forster and Lloris for Vicario and Bazunu, going from goalkeepers in their 30s to shot-stoppers yet to even reach their prime. Bazunu has earned plenty of plaudits throughout his career too, including from former Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley, who told Hampshire Live: "A brilliant journey for him. A great year for him last season, he learned so much playing in a Rochdale team that got relegated.

"He lost his place in that team, but we could see from the moment I met him, I just knew. You just know when a boy is going to be the best they can be, what an unbelievable mindset. Incredible intensity and desire to want to be the best that he can be and if you have an ambition in life and you want to be someone, then don’t half do it, give it everything you’ve got and he’s going to be the very, very best he can be. I’m really excited to follow his career."

Bazunu's availibility is certainly something that Spurs can benefit from, meanwhile, with the goalkepeer playing every minute for Southampton in the Championship so far this season.

In a football landscape that is ever-changing, the sport is moving further away from its traditional roots. But while the construction of futuristic stadiums continues, there are still footballing colosseums of the past up and down England that have survived the torrents of time to remind matchday goers of where it all started.

Liverpool's historic home, Anfield, is one such example, and Football FanCast covers everything you need to know about the 139-year-old stadium. From its glorious history to its modern redevelopments and information on getting there, no stone is left unturned.

Anfield history

Having been built in 1884, Anfield was originally the home of Everton. In 1892, negotiations to purchase the land at Anfield from John Orrell escalated into a dispute between John Houlding and the Everton F.C. committee over how the club was run.

Events culminated in Everton's move across Stanley Park to their current home of Goodison Park. Houlding was left with an empty stadium, and decided to form a new club to occupy it. The new team was called Liverpool F.C. and Athletic Grounds Ltd, and the club's first match at Anfield was a friendly played in front of 200 people on 1st September 1892 against Rotherham Town. Liverpool won 7–1.

Anfield underwent several developments in the late 19th and early 20th century, which included the construction of a new main stand designed by Archibald Leitch in 1895, and a decade later, the construction of the famous Spion Kop. The ground remained more or less the same for the next two decades until the Kop was expanded in 1928. Once completed, it could hold about 30,000 fans, becoming the biggest of its kind, while a roof was revolutionary in its heyday.

In 1982, the famous Shankly Gates were erected, while a start was made to convert the stadium into an all-seater after the Hillsborough disaster. The next significant changes to the stadium were made in the 1990s, first with the rebuilding of the two-tiered Centenary Stand, then with the conversion of the Kop into an all-seater stand. Finally, 1998 saw the construction of a second tier on the Anfield Road Stand.

In the late 2000s, Liverpool contemplated moving away from Anfield to a larger and more modern stadium, and even obtained planning permission for a new 60,000-seater at nearby Stanley Park. However, insufficient funding delayed the plans, which were finally discarded in 2012 by the new owners of the club.

Instead, the ownership opted to redevelop and expand Anfield. It was a decision favoured by Liverpudlians since the illustrious four walls held the secrets to immeasurable success. Reds' fans have a special place in their heart for the stadium, and any relocation plans would have been vehemently protested.

From the murals on nearby houses, and the Shankly and Paisley gates that memorialise the club's two greatest fathers, to the famous Spion Kop and Anfield Road ends, there would be too much to leave behind for the club to relocate.

Anfield is a spiritual home for Kopites, and it inhabits a trophy cabinet holding 19 league titles, 6 European Cups, 8 FA Cups, 3 UEFA Cups, 4 UEFA Super Cups, 9 League Cups, and 1 Club World Cup.

Anfield capacity

With a current capacity of 54,074, Anfield's size fails to reflect the club's stature in world football. A much older build with limited room for expansion (because of its residential location) until recently, Liverpool's stadium is traditional. For many older fans who value sentimentality over the ultramodern, oval-shaped stadiums, Anfield keeps English football's roots unsullied.

Each stand's close proximity to the pitch is what makes the stadium unique, as the Kop's sound travels and struggles to leave the four walls. But when compared to other stadiums in the country, it only ranks as the seventh-largest, despite the club's history as one of Europe's most successful powerhouses.

But apart from Manchester United's Old Trafford, which was built in 1910, the other five stadiums above Anfield in seated capacity were built within the last 20 years, becoming modern testaments to how far football has developed across a century.

Wembley Stadium

90,000

2007

Old Trafford

74,031

1910

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

62,850

2019

London Stadium

62,500

2012

Emirates Stadium

60,704

2006

Etihad Stadium

55,097

2003

Anfield

54,074

1884

Main Stand & Anfield Road renovations

Once upon a time, walking up to Anfield alongside or through Stanley Park, matchday goers sometimes struggled to see the stadium behind the tree line. And when you did get a glimpse of the concrete cladding of the exterior of the stands, it didn’t look particularly impressive.

But this has now dramatically changed with the construction of two additional tiers above the Main Stand. These extra tiers have made this stand simply huge, having increased the capacity of it from 12,000 to 20,500, and increased the overall capacity of Anfield to over 54,000.

The next project looks to add further seating in the Anfield Road end, which is shared between home and away fans. With construction ongoing and expected to finish in 2024, the third phase of Anfield's long overdue redevelopment will see the Kop-facing stand increase in capacity by 7,000 seats, leapfrogging both the Emirates and Etihad Stadium to become the fifth-largest stadium in the country and fourth in the Premier League with an overall capacity of 61,000.

Anfield's renowned atmosphere

For as long as time, Anfield has been renowned for its atmosphere, particularly on European nights in the Champions League.

Gianluigi Buffon, Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Cristiano Ronaldo are among just some of the opposition managers and players to have flagged it as one of the hardest places to win because of its hostile and belittling atmosphere.

Rival supporters suggest it's a myth. However, the proof is in the pudding. The reaction of non-English fans when 'You'll Never Walk Alone' bellows through the stadium tells the story of even some of the continent's loudest fanbases being taken aback, while their 68-game unbeaten streak at home in the Premier League between 2017 and 2021 under Jurgen Klopp proves just how difficult a trip to Merseyside is.

Although that record no longer stands, Liverpool remain a force to be reckoned with when they play beneath the historic canopy of the Spion Kop.

For those in doubt over whether Anfield exercises a great matchday atmosphere, a quick watch of any of their famous Champions League comebacks will help to remedy any lingering uncertainty. It is not to pity other stadiums in the country, as English fans have proven they are some of the most passionate around. However, Anfield sets the benchmark.

How to get to Anfield By train

Liverpool Lime Street Railway Station is Liverpool's mainline station for regional and national journeys. It is two miles from Anfield and taxis are also available at the station. The average journey time of trains travelling between London and Liverpool is 2 hours and 35 minutes.

For those making the journey from the city's area, Merseyrail operates regular services across 67 stations throughout Merseyside. Passengers can get regular services into Liverpool from Ellesmere Port, Chester, West Kirby and New Brighton on the Wirral Line, and Southport, Ormskirk, Kirkby and Hunts Cross on the Northern Line. You can also take advantage of park and ride; a number of Merseyrail stations have car parks, which can be found here.

Another way to travel between the city centre and Anfield is via bus. On matchdays, there is an express service, and more details can be found here.

By car

Anfield is accessible from all major routes; the postcode is L4 0TH. However, it is warned that the stadium parking is limited, and since it is located in a built-up residential area, enforcement will be monitoring anyone parking in areas they shouldn't.

It is best to park in the city centre and use public transport to get directly to Anfield instead of trying to drive all the way.

How to get away tickets to Anfield

Just under 3,000 away fans can be housed in the Anfield Road stand at one end of the ground, although this allocation can be increased for domestic cup games.

Until the renovation is complete, views at the back of the stand can be restricted, with the upper tier overhanging the bottom, while standing supporters in front can create a field of vision more comparable to a letterbox.

Unlike a lot of clubs, Liverpool tickets are priced consistently across their Premier League campaign – as opposed to varying prices based on different category games like many sides do nowadays. Of course, some tickets are still cheaper than others, but that’s purely down to where you sit within the stadium. Premier League ticket prices are detailed below in the form of minimum and maximum prices:

£9 to £59

£9 to £44

£9 to £29.50

£9

The best way to get tickets for an away game is by keeping up to date with sales windows on your respective club's website.

Liverpool are believed to be keen on securing a double swoop for two talents from the same team, but they are far from alone in showing an interest.

Liverpool eyeing January moves

The Reds are flying high after making significant additions to their squad during the summer transfer window, allowing Jurgen Klopp's side to become Premier League title challengers again. January signings could further boost Liverpool's chances of going all the way this season, with a number of players linked with moves to Anfield in recent months, with various areas of the pitch potentially being looked at.

One individual who has been backed to become a Reds player is highly-rated Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, with the Portuguese a player who is capable of thriving as both a centre-back and left-back. Another midfielder also isn't out of the question, with Fluminenese midfielder Andre possibly on the move after helping his side to Copa Libertadores glory last month. A "verbal agreement" with the Brazil international has even been mooted. Inter Milan free-kick maestro Hakan Calhanoglu is reportedly seen as an option, too, although at 29, there could be question marks over whether he would be the right choice.

Liverpool keen on signing Yoro and Santos

According to a fresh transfer update from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are interested in signing Lille pair Leny Yori and Tiago Santos, but other Premier League clubs are also in the mix for the defenders, who have caught the eye of Reds scouts.

"A pair of Lille defenders are courting heavyweight interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham, TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal.

"Yoro is understood to be viewed slightly more favourably than Santos despite being the younger of the pair, though both players have received glowing reports from the scouts of the interested English sides."

Both Yoro and Santos could be players who come in as the future of Liverpool, rather than signings who could immediately increase their Premier League title chances.

The former is an exciting 18-year-old central defender with so much potential, although the Reds transfer target has still started 12 Ligue 1 games this season. Meanwhile, the latter is a 21-year-old right-back who also has plenty of playing time to his name in 2023/24, enjoying 11 league outings, nine of which have come from the start.

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At some point, Liverpool are going to need to bring in young defensive reinforcements, and both Yoro and Santos could represent eye-catching exciting options, proving to be eventual mainstays of the team. Both Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip are both now 32 years of age, so they won't necessarily be around forever, while Andy Robertson also turns 30 next year.

Planning for the future is so important, ensuring that the Reds remain a force long after Klopp has left as manager, and acquiring the signature of two such big talents could be ideal ahead of their rivals, with Santos possibly seen as a right-back who could allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to become an out-and-out midfielder.

West Ham United have gone from relegation contenders to Europa Conference League champions and a side comfortably sitting in mid-table all in the space of a year. And this is all whilst losing star man Declan Rice during the summer window. David Moyes' side have so far enjoyed an impressive campaign despite some inconistent performances, having qualified out of their Europa League group and risen to ninth in the Premier League.

They won't want to just simply sit back and rest on their laurels now that they're back to their best, however. Instead, reports suggest that they've already turned their attention towards one particular January target.

West Ham transfer news

Those at the London Stadium spent the Rice money incredibly well during the summer transfer window. James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus have continued to impress throughout the current campaign to make their former golden boy's exit somewhat of an afterthought. If West Ham can qualify for European football once again, meanwhile, then Rice's exit may even be looked back on as a blessing in disguise.

The Hammers will reportedly look to repeat their transfer genius in January to land even more upgrades. According to Rudy Galetti, West Ham are considering an attempt to sign Ian Maatsen from Chelsea in January and have already asked their London rivals for information about their left-back.

Maatsen's current Chelsea deal is due to run out in the summer of 2025, meaning that the Blues have just over a year to cash in before facing the risk of losing the reported West Ham target on a free deal.

"Pacy" Maatsen needs minutes

Maatsen's stats expose just how desperately he needs a move during the January transfer window. The young Dutchman is yet to start a single Premier League game and has played just 106 minutes – the same as just over one full game. Even when Ben Chilwell has been unavailable, it has been Marc Cucurella who has been given the role, perhaps leaving Maatsen to wonder what more he has to do to break into Mauricio Pochettino's side.

West Ham could offer the full-back the minutes he so desperately needs though. Maatsen would be left competing with former Chelsea left-back Emerson Palmieri, but would also have the chance to feature in Europe – something that Chelsea cannot currently offer.

At his best, Maatsen has been at the centre of praise, including from Burnley boss Vincent Kompany upon the start of his loan move at the Clarets last season. Kompany told the club's official website: “We’re pleased to add Ian to our team, he’s a talented, energetic and pacy player, who can defend and get forward well. Ian will be a great addition to our team on and off the pitch.”

West Ham United, as the January transfer window approaches, could be one of a number of sides that look to make season-altering additions in the Premier League.

The Hammers have enjoyed a solid first half to the campaign, albeit one that has featured a couple of results to forget and sit as high as ninth. Having recently been smashed 5-0 by Fulham, West Ham were given a reminder about the changes they may need to make in the winter window, with a number of stars potentially heading for the exit door. And that could even include a player that David Moyes is a fan of.

West Ham transfer news

Those at the London Stadium got things fairly spot on in the summer transfer window, despite selling Declan Rice to Arsenal. The likes of Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Mohammed Kudus have all found their feet relatively quickly to hand the Hammers a major boost. Now, however, West Ham's attention looks set to shift towards departures, which could include the sale of one specific forward who has struggled at times in the current campaign.

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According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, West Ham could now be ready to sell Danny Ings in the January transfer window, with clubs at the bottom of the Premier League and top of the Championship keeping an eye on the former Liverpool man's situation. The striker's departure could come despite the fact that a source told Football Insider that Moyes is a "big fan" of Ings. When the January window swings open, the 31-year-old certainly looks like one to keep an eye on, as the club aim to make room and raise funds for further incomings.

January the right time for "brilliant" Ings to leave West Ham

Whilst Moyes is reportedly a fan of Ings, January appears to be the right time for all parties to go their separate ways. Ings' goals just have not arrived at the London Stadium, with the former Southampton star finding the back of the net just three times in 37 appearances for the Hammers, whilst only recording a further two assists. Given that he's only made one Premier League start in the current campaign too, the forward could do with a January exit.

If his next club can get him back to his best, then Ings could make a significant impact. Matty Cash was certainly impressed with his former teammate at Aston Villa, saying:

“I was delighted for Danny. He is one of the smartest players I have played with. His record speaks for itself. He’s scored goals at the highest level. Any striker needs goals and he got them at Brighton. His movement in front of goal is brilliant. He knows when to run and when to get in the middle of the goal. That is why he has scored so many goals in his career. Any striker needs to watch him and his movement because he is brilliant.”

Glasgow Rangers have not had the best of luck with regard to injuries during the current campaign as it appears Philippe Clement is having to deal with a fresh blow following every match.

During the tie against Hearts in October, Nico Raskin was substituted after suffering an injury. He was expected to be out for just a few weeks, yet his recovery hasn't been going quite to plan and he won't play until 2024 at the earliest.

Scott Wright and Tom Lawrence have also suffered injuries which will rule them out for an unspecified period of time, while Danilo is the latest player to suffer a season defining injury…

Danilo's injury blow is bad news for Rangers

The Brazilian had enjoyed a decent start to life under the Belgian tactician, scoring three times and grabbing four assists as he was staking his claim to be the main option in the number nine role.

Despite missing a few games after suffering a fractured cheekbone during a match against St Johnstone back in September, the former Feyenoord hitman had returned to full fitness, albeit wearing a mask to protect his face.

With Cyriel Dessers – who has netted just five league goals – struggling for any kind of form and Kemar Roofe going through his own fitness issues, there was a chance for Danilo to establish himself in the starting XI.

The 24-year-old started against Hearts last week and while he didn’t find the back of the net, the 1-0 win could prove crucial in the chase for the Premiership title.

Bad news was to follow after the match, however, with the 49-year-old providing an update on an injury suffered by the Brazilian.

He said: "Danilo has a problem with his knee because of a bad tackle in the game, an unlucky situation, part of football. Because of contact, he had a problem with his knee.

"The chances are he requires surgery so yes, it could be long term.”

It was confirmed that he needs surgery on the injury and will be out for around four months and this could force Clement into the transfer market for a potential replacement.

It remains to be seen how much of a budget he will have to work with next month, but the former Club Brugge coach simply cannot rely on Dessers and Roofe as his only centre-forward options for the remainder of the season.

Rangers transfer news – Lawrence Shankland

The links to the Scottish striker have stretched all the way back to January of this year, with Barry Ferguson claiming that the Light Blues would be keeping an eye on him after a solid start to his spell in Edinburgh.

In June, Michael Beale appeared to be taking a closer look at the player, yet no move ever materialised, and he ended up signing Dessers, Danilo, and Sam Lammers instead.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, Ferguson was once again suggesting Shankland would be an ideal fit for Rangers during the recent league clash between the two sides, even comparing him to a former Premier League legend, saying:

“Let’s start with Lawrence Shankland who catches my eye every time I see him play for Hearts.

“This guy has improved his game to such an extent over the last couple of years that I’m surprised he’s not been snapped up already but, watching him on Wednesday, I saw a ready made Rangers centre forward.

“I’m not exaggerating when I say his overall game reminds me of a young Teddy Sheringham. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying he’s at Sheringham’s level. But he does have similar attributes in terms of game intelligence and that natural ability to drop into dangerous areas and link up with his team mates.”

His statistics since joining the Gorgie outfit have demonstrated his ruthlessness in front of goal, and he could well be worth a punt next month.

Lawrence Shankland’s statistics at Hearts

The 28-year-old joined the Jambos last summer for a modest fee of around £500k and this soon proved to be one of the bargains of the season.

The former Dundee United marksman ended the 2022/23 campaign with a total of 28 goals across all competitions for Hearts, with 24 of these coming in the Premiership.

This tally saw him finish third in the top scorers list, while he contributed 38.1% of his team's goals during the whole term and it was hardly a wonder that Rangers were looking to add him to their squad.

Despite a barren spell a few months ago, Shankland has already found the back of the net on 12 occasions this season along with registering three assists and while it is a far cry from his sensational form last year, he is still scoring regularly.

The Scot currently ranks first among the Hearts squad for goals and assists in the top flight during 2023/24 (seven), while also ranking first for scoring frequency (a goal every 206 minutes), shots on target per game (1.2) and third for successful dribbles per game (1.1), underlining his importance to the team.

He may not be the marquee name that the Ibrox faithful expect to sign, but he has proven his worth in the Premiership and there is no doubt that, with better service, he could score a lot more goals leading the line at Rangers.

4

7

1

0

1.5

1.2

9

2

0.8

1.1

It remains to be seen what sort of price the Tynecastle outfit will place on their most prized asset, but he won’t come cheap, that’s for sure.

The onus is now for Clement to ship out some deadwood during the upcoming January transfer window in order to not only reduce the wage bill but also to raise funds for any potential new signings.

"Excellent" Rangers player facing months on sidelines with injury

The Light Blues have received some nightmare news.

ByChloe Chadwick Dec 14, 2023

The likes of Dessers and Lammers have failed to live up to their inflated transfer fees, and it is clear they don’t have a long-term future at Ibrox under the Belgian manager.

Moving them on for a decent fee could allow the club to go after a move for Shankland and this could certainly be a wise investment, especially considering Danilo will miss the most important part of the season.