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As quoted by Football London, West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that Manuel Lanzini is close to a return to action, following a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Chilean coach said, “this week I think we will have the squad list [on Thursday] and maybe Lanzini and Nasri can be included on the squad list…We will talk [Thursday] with the medical staff and then we will decide.”

Whether or not it is in time to face Fulham at the London Stadium on Friday night, the 26-year-old attacking midfielder is clearly close to a return to field. This will be welcome news to Hammers fans, as the Argentine can certainly have an impact between now and the end of the season.

On the chalkboard

The midfielder was expected to miss out on the entirety of this campaign after he sustained a knee injury during preparations for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. However, he now looks to be on schedule for a return ahead of the initial 15-month diagnosis.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

The team he is coming back into though is very different to the one he left. The Hammers have improved their attacking contingent whilst Lanzini has been sidelined, and summer arrival Felipe Anderson could make it tricky for the 4-cap Argentina international to get back into the team.

Pellegrini will have to find a way to balance his side so that Lanzini and the Brazilian can play alongside each other without leaving the Irons defensively exposed.

Finding the balance

With both Anderson and Lanzini on the pitch, the east London club would boast a great deal of creativity, technical ability and flair. However, neither are the most defensively aware or diligent of players. Despite all their quality, the Irons could find themselves missing the work rate currently brought to the side by the likes of Mark Noble, Robert Snodgrass and Michail Antonio – and there isn’t room for all of them in the starting XI.

Jack Wilshere and Andriy Yarmolenko’s own returns to fitness could intensify this selection headache for the manager. Pellegrini will likely have to make some tough choices in the summer, or else find a way to accommodate all of this attacking midfield talent, to ensure that the Iron’s don’t become a top-heavy, unbalanced outfit.

Leeds United return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they take on Southampton at Elland Road.

Jesse Marsch’s side went into the international break off the back of a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Wolves at Molineux, and since then they have been handed some further boosts on the injury front.

While the Whites did confirm that Patrick Bamford would be out for a minimum of six weeks due to injury, they can welcome the likes of Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips back into the fold after the duo remained as unused substitutes against Bruno Lage’s side a fortnight ago.

Marsch will have some big calls to make ahead of the match, and below is a look at how Leeds might line up when Southampton come to town.

In goal, Illan Meslier is likely to be fit for the game at Elland Road despite being forced off midway through the second half against Wolves following a collision with Raul Jimenez which led to the Mexico international’s sending off.

The back-line could see one important change, with club captain Cooper ready and available for Marsch to call upon and shore up a leaky Leeds defence which has already conceded 67 goals this season – the most of any side in the Premier League.

Cooper could come in for Pascal Struijk, with the £25k-a-week ace having struggled of late, perhaps no surprise given that he remains only 22 and is playing in a high-pressure environment like the one in which Leeds find themselves right now.

Another huge call for the Leeds manager to make is in midfield, where Phillips is no doubt pushing to make his first start of the calendar year. If Marsch does opt to go that way, then Mateusz Klich could be the man to drop out, with Adam Forshaw partnering the England international in the engine room and offering a bit more control on the ball.

Further forward, Bamford’s injury is likely to mean the likes of Jack Harrison, Rodrigo and Dan James all keep their places from the game against Wolves, while Raphinha’s recovery from his virus means that he is likely to come straight back in too.

AND in other news – Leeds could unleash Thorp Arch’s breakout star in “fiery” 18 y/o who’s “got an edge”

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left gushing over some contract news on Scott Arfield.

Speaking to the media before the 3-3 draw at Ross County (via The Glasgow Times), Giovanni van Bronckhorst admitted that he wants to keep the central midfield player beyond his current deal at Ibrox, which runs out this summer.

“He is an experienced player and he is definitely a player I want to have longer to be at Rangers. Hopefully we can welcome him next season as well,” the manager said.

As Gio says, Arfield has been ‘really important’ to the team, as he has played 25 games in total over all competitions for them this season, scoring four goals (Transfermarkt), and at 33 years of age, is one of the more experienced players in the dressing room.

Nonetheless, this seems to be a deal that would be very popular with the Ibrox faithful, and so they should tie him down as soon as possible.

Rangers fans on Arfield contract news

These Teddy Bears gushed as the contract news was shared on Twitter, with one Light Blues supporter claiming that they were ‘delighted’, while another Ger even went as far as to call it ‘brilliant’:

“Best bit of business so far”

Credit: @TerryCashman5

“Delighted with this.”

Credit: @Cway47

“FINALLY…the penny drops!!!”

Credit: @FraserC83599513

“That’s the news I’m liking on a Friday”

Credit: @thatboybabes

“More of this please”

Credit: @chloecarson_7

“Brilliant news! Love Arfield”

Credit: @MBS1872

In other news, find out what transfer update Gers lauded here!

A number of Wolves supporters have been lauding Conor Coady’s celebration after scoring in his team’s 3-1 win at home to Southampton.

Bruno Lage’s side continued their impressive season on Saturday afternoon, easing past the Saints at Molineux to follow up their famous 1-0 victory away to Manchester United in their previous Premier League clash.

Raul Jimenez opened the scoring from the penalty spot and Coady made it 2-0 before James Ward-Prowse pulled a goal back with a trademark free-kick. Adama Traore then put the game to bed in the dying minutes, scoring his first goal of the season.

It was a rare Coady strike which was arguably the highlight of the afternoon, with the skipper netting just his fifth goal in 298 appearances for Wolves.

Wolves fans laud Coady celebration

After the game, the club’s official Twitter channel shared a video of Coady scoring and celebrating passionately with the home fans. Unsurprisingly, these Wolves supporters reacted gleefully to the footage.

“Keep watching this, how much it means to him and the team, Love how Sa is there too. LOVE this and our Captain”

Credit: @SmithShakesp

“I don’t think team morale has ever been this high. Only looking up from here”

Credit: @jm0ty

“You cannot put a price tag on that”

Credit: @JasDeo1

“What a bloke. Honestly so happy for him it’s nice to see his turnaround after so many slandered him (including myself) to now being an important part of our defensive unit and adding a few goals here and there”

Credit: @Alfiewwfc_

“It’s impossible not to like this bloke”

Credit: @Cookmtt1976

“My skipper!!!”

Credit: @86bakes

In other news, some Wolves fans are delighted after news emerged regarding one player. Find out who it is here.

According to Charlie Eccleshare of The Athletic, Ajax were ‘priced out of a potential deal’ by Tottenham for Steven Bergwijn as Antonio Conte considers him ‘an important member of his squad’.

The Lowdown: Bergwijn’s transfer saga

The Dutch winger was at the centre of a fluctuating transfer saga during the January window. One moment he was seemingly off from N17, the next Conte wanted him to stay.

On 9 January, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claimed that Tottenham had ‘decided to sell’ the 24-year-old amid interest from a number of clubs.

Two days later, the Evening Standard reported that Spurs had rejected an opening £15m bid from Ajax. It was said that Daniel Levy was holding out on the deal as he was looking to recoup as much of the £27m that they paid for the player in 2020 as they could.

However, Bergwijn seemingly threw his Spurs future into the air as he fired in two stoppage-time goals in 80 seconds to snatch Conte’s side three points in a thrilling 3-2 win over Leicester City two weeks ago.

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The Latest: Ajax ‘priced out’ of Bergwijn deal

According to Eccleshare on Twitter, the Dutch champions were priced out of a possible deal for Bergwijn, a player who Conte feels is an integral member of the Tottenham squad.

He outlined: “It’s been a busy day for #THFC departures, but Steven Bergwijn is staying put. Ajax priced out of a potential deal for someone Antonio Conte considers an important member of his squad.”

Eccleshare also revealed for The Athletic that Spurs were not actively looking to offload the attacker, but Ajax’s interest had tested their resolve. This ultimately ended as the Dutch giants could not afford to meet Tottenham’s asking price.

The Verdict: Good choice

Bergwijn has not enjoyed an easy period since he arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but in recent weeks, it seems that the Netherlands international’s fortunes may have changed.

With the 24-year-old having secured Spurs that dramatic win against Leicester and with Alasdair Gold hailing him as a ‘rare bright spot’ in the recent defeat at Chelsea, this begged the question as to whether Conte and Fabio Paratici were silly to consider allowing the player to leave.

Considering the failed pursuit for now-Barcelona winger Adama Traore, Tottenham have made the right call to keep hold of the Dutchman, whose ‘quality’ has been hailed by Conte himself.

In other news: Tottenham: Late Ousmane Dembele attempt fails

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left buzzing following a Sky Sports update on their striker search involving Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa.

Irons boss David Moyes has been actively searching for a new striker since club record signing Sebastien Haller left the London Stadium last January.

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It is seen as one of the club’s major transfer priorities this window alongside the search for defensive reinforcements and, potentially, the signing of attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard (The Evening Standard).

One player heavily linked with a move to the English capital over these last few days has been Brazil international striker Barbosa as Sky Sports share an update on the Hammers’ forward hunt.

According to their information, the club have now held talks over signing the 25-year-old this month as they identify ‘Gabigol’ as a transfer target.

It is also believed Barbosa is keen on a move to England and the Premier League, watching every West Ham game in particular whilst being impressed with the job manager Moyes is doing at the club.

Irons fans buzz…

Flocking to this update from a reliable source, many Irons fans have been left buzzing and it isn’t hard to see why given his impressive goal return over 2021.

Scoring a head-turning 29 goals over the last calendar year (Transfermarkt), the 17-cap star has certainly proved he can find the back of the net on more than one occasion.

Here’s how West Ham fans reacted as their club hold talks over his signing.

“Yesssssss”

Credit: @whufcchris_

“get it done!”

Credit: @blowingbabol

“Please, my football manager brain is going mental”

Credit: @brad_hass4

“Get it done @WestHam”

Credit: @Harley93Riley

“lets do this !!!!!!!

Gabi is top !!!!!!”

Credit: @OrderinChaos3

“dont gas me dharmesh”

Credit: @WHUSP3

“on my knees”

Credit: @charlwhu

In other news: West Ham source: Newman eyeing bid for brand new forward target as club green light January sale, find out more here.

West Ham United were denied a victory by Brighton and Hove Albion late on at the London Stadium on Wednesday night, making it three games without a win in the Premier League.

The Irons took an early lead through Tomas Soucek after the towering Czech colossus headed home an inswinging corner from Pablo Fornals and they looked to be heading towards all three points until Neal Maupay bagged a sensational bicycle kick in the 89th minute.

David Moyes must now be concerned by his side’s form, having not picked up a win since their stunning 3-2 triumph of Liverpool before the international break.

Several members of his starting XI have underperformed substantially across their last three outings and it could well be time for a shake-up, and one player who has looked rather poor, particularly against the Seagulls is veteran Craig Dawson.

The 31-year-old has only been brought in due to Angelo Ogbonna’s season-ending injury blow, so it can’t be too much of a coincidence that the Hammers are winless in the Italian’s absence.

Dawson just isn’t good enough to replace him long-term and he once again proved that in front of Moyes this week.

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Per SofaScore, the former West Brom and Watford colossus was West Ham’s second lowest-rated player (6.4) and that’s hardly a surprise considering he lost a whopping 84% of his six duels. To lose four of five aerial battles is certainly shocking for a 6 foot 2 central defender.

He was at fault for the visitor’s equaliser, being too soft in allowing Maupay the time and space to pull off the spectacular, and he was lucky to have not allowed Adam Lallana to score earlier in the second half.

‘Poor on the ball,’ is how the Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser went on to describe Dawson before mentioning his two mistakes. Indeed, he made just seven passes all game, losing possession four times from his 19 touches.

The vastly-experienced defender, thought to be earning around £52k-per-week in east London, just isn’t good enough to be Moyes’ no.1 choice alongside Kurt Zouma.

Perhaps it’s no surprise that a new centre-back is said to be on the agenda this January.

AND in other news, Newman could seal bargain West Ham swoop for £12m-rated “monster” who silenced Antonio…

According to a report from RMC Sport (via Sport Witness), Liverpool are interested in a move for Angers striker Mohamed-Ali Cho.

The lowdown: Rising stock

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence in France and has previously attracted interest from Leicester City and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Despite not boasting an impressive goal return in domestic football, Cho has netted two goals in three outings for France at under-19 level.

A fresh update has now emerged suggesting that Liverpool could be among the clubs looking at the talented youngster…

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The latest: Premier League giants watching Cho

As per RMC Sport, as translated by Sport Witness, the Anfield club and their Premier League rivals Chelsea are both ‘keeping an eye’ on Cho.

It is claimed that RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are also interested in the teenager as the Ligue 1 outfit eye a ‘record’ sale exceeding the €25m (£20m) they received from Lyon for Jeff Reine-Adelaide.

Formerly of Paris Saint-Germain and Everton at academy level, leaving the Goodison Park club in 2020, the report states that Cho is ‘one of the most highly-rated youngsters on the market’.

The verdict: Firmino successor?

Possessing a perceived market value of £13.5m and out of contract in 2023 (Transfermarkt), signing the French teenager – who was described as possessing ‘bags of potential’ by Alan Hutton when discussing Tottenham Hotspur’s previous interest – would be a relatively inexpensive deal for the Reds.

As Jurgen Klopp and outgoing sporting director Julian Ward prepare for life after Divock Origi and (potentially long-term) Roberto Firmino, adding a new centre-forward to the squad will be necessitated over the coming transfer windows.

Although a lowly two goals in 49 senior appearances from Cho doesn’t make for excellent reading, the ‘intelligent’ starlet – as hailed by his manager Gerard Baticle – has been a regular feature this season, starting on 18 occasions in Ligue 1. That makes him a viable option to continue the pattern of Liverpool turning lesser-known prospects into eventual stars.

In other news: Liverpool could now sign South American beast for a bargain as price drops by 38%

Speaking live on his Twitch stream, as shared by The Daily Express, reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared another update on Tottenham Hotspur target Adama Traore.

The Lowdown: Spurs in talks…

As reported by multiple reliable sources, Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have been in talks to sign the Wolves winger, whom Antonio Conte intends to use as a right-wing back.

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The Italian wants to strengthen out wide and sees Traore as a player who could seriously bolster his three-at-the-back formation, coming amid claims that he wants an upgrade on summer signing Emerson Royal (The Athletic).

As the final week of the transfer window looms, an agreement still hasn’t been announced with negotiations taking time.

Journalist Matt Law of The Telegraph claimed recently that Spurs are eyeing a loan with an obligation to buy for the player as Romano now shares Traore’s stance on a switch to north London.

The Latest: Traore wants to join Spurs…

According to the Italian on his Twitch, as relayed by The Express, the 25-year-old is apparently eager to join Conte at Spurs and sees the opportunity as one he can’t refuse.

Talks are expected to continue between the Molineux outfit and Tottenham as the Lilywhites head coach sets sights on his first signing at N17.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Lauded as ‘undefendable’ and ‘unplayable’ in past seasons by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, a huge admirer, pundits across the Premier League believe Traore could indeed be a good fit for Spurs.

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan, for instance, called the Spain international a ‘perfect fit’ for Tottenham and if they can agree a loan it would be some stellar business.

Still fairly young in his mid-20s, Traore’s price tag has dropped massively in recent seasons, which could partly be due to his contract situation at Wolves.

Romano, writing for Calciomercato in October 2020, claimed that the Midlands outfit once valued their man at a sky high €100 million (£83.1m).

Spurs would be foolish not to strike and seal a deal before January 31.

In other news: Conte green-lights move for £220k-p/w ‘jewel’ as he lays out transfer demand for Spurs chiefs, find out more here.

According to a report from Goal, Liverpool are interested in signing Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma as a long-term replacement for Sadio Mane.

The lowdown: Long-standing admiration

The Reds have previously been linked with a move for the 25-year-old and recent performances in Spain have only further cemented the former Bournemouth star’s burgeoning reputation.

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Signed for £21.3million in 2021 (Sky Sports), Danjuma has scored 14 times and registered another four assists in 29 appearances so far for Unai Emery’s side.

Now it would appear that Liverpool’s interest in the Dutchman is only growing, with his goal against Bayern Munich on Tuesday sure to catch the eye.

The latest: Mane successor?

As per Goal, Liverpool, and by extension new transfer guru Julian Ward, are said to be ‘interested’ in signing Danjuma but are ‘unlikely to make a bid’ in the upcoming summer window.

It’s claimed that Liverpool view the six-cap Holland ace as a ‘possible successor’ to Mane – who is fast approaching the final 12 months of a contract on Merseyside.

The report also states that the Reds ‘could sanction’ a bid next year for the winger with a mooted €75million (£63million) release clause.

The verdict: Rising star

After flopping on the south coast – failing to score or assist in 14 Premier League outings and completing 90 minutes just twice in those games – Danjuma has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence in Spain.

Despite struggling in England, he has been impressing in La Liga and in the UEFA Champions League, ranking as his club’s sixth-best player in the top flight and third-best in European action, per Whoscored.

Described as a ‘nightmare for defenders’ by Kevin Phillips, the skilful winger has completed 1.2 successful dribbles per game from 20 league appearances so far this season (Sofascore).

Under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), the release clause could represent value for money for a player who possesses the necessary range of attacking assets to replace Mane in Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

In other news, Liverpool target reportedly set to leave Bundesliga giants. Find out who it is here.