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Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continued the extraordinary turnaround of their season – save for the loss to PSG last week – with a 2-0 victory over top-four rivals Chelsea in the FA Cup 5th round, meaning that they progress to a quarter final clash with Wolves.

The win also meant that Solskjaer’s record at the Old Trafford helm extended to 11 victories in 13 games since taking over from Jose Mourinho in December and so the Norwegian’s case for remaining in the role beyond the end of the season grows, while the pressure mounted on his Chelsea counterpart, Maurizio Sarri.

On paper, the Blues have one of the strongest midfield’s in the league – few boast a World Cup winner or a Ballon d’Or nominee and Chelsea have both in N’Golo Kante, but the Frenchman was uncharacteristically dominated in the middle of the park as his side were knocked out of the FA Cup on Monday night.

A huge part of United’s 2019 success has been the incredible form of Paul Pogba, who, against Chelsea, scored and assisted for the ninth and sixth times, respectively, since the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’ took the wheel.

It has long been clear that relieving the former Juventus man of his defensive duties would help him to become the free-roaming, game-controlling, all-conquering midfielder that United thought they were getting when they splashed a then-world-record £89m to bring the number 6 back to Old Trafford in 2016.

However, even with the likes of Nemanja Matic and Fred in the side – both were intended to give Pogba as much attacking freedom as possible – it still didn’t click with Mourinho in charge. Now, though, the whole camp seems a lot more comfortable with what is being asked of them and the 2018 World Cup winner’s teammates seem far more willing to work hard for him, as well as for Solskjaer.

The former striker has done in a matter of weeks what Mourinho failed to do in over two years and that is to get the best out of Pogba, but a huge part of the 25-year-old’s new-found ‘freedom’ can be attributed to the performances of those around him, a transformed Marcus Rashford included.

Rashford’s runs in behind have meant easy assists for Pogba, but the numbers put in by a different player show exactly why the midfielder was allowed to completely boss the Blues on Monday.

Ander Herrera put in an enormous shift alongside the giant Frenchman and his tireless defensive work meant Pogba could get up the field and into dangerous areas to, first, assist, then score.

The former Athletic Bilbao man completed an impressive 6 tackles and 5 interceptions as he made Kante look like Kevin McDonald and, while Pogba stole the headlines, Herrera took as many touches (58) and also got on the end of the number 6’s inch-perfect cross to nod the visitors ahead on the half-hour mark.

Often known for their eye for a pass, Spanish midfielders are rarely recognised for their physical presence but Herrera won the most aerial duels (2) in the United ranks and was only bested by compatriot Marcos Alonso (3) on the pitch.

If the 29-year-old can continue putting in performances like this, Pogba will rule the midfield for years to come.

How much money could you make busking for a week as a freestyle footballer? Find out in the video below…

West Ham manager David Moyes has admitted there is still uncertainty regarding the fitness of forward Jarrod Bowen ahead of the clash with Everton. 

The lowdown: Ongoing complications

The 25-year-old was forced off with an ankle injury as the Hammers succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool at the beginning of March and hasn’t been seen since.

That’s despite an initial prognosis suggesting that the issue wasn’t serious, with hope the in-form attacker would make a prompt return to action after the club themselves announced he had sustained ‘no significant damage’.

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Now as a crunch clash at both ends of the table with Everton looms, Bowen’s participation remains in question.

The latest: Cause for ‘concern’

Giving a fresh update to the media ahead of the clash at the London Stadium, Moyes confirmed that the right-winger remains doubtful despite his return to training at Rush Green.

As quoted by journalist Jack Rosser on Twitter, Moyes was coy on the likelihood of Vladimir Coufal and Bowen featuring: “A chance that both of them could make it. I’m not sure if they’re ready and match fit, that would be a concern.”

This follows a report from Rosser for the Evening Standard stating that Bowen has an ongoing ankle issue and is in need of injections in order to strengthen the area prior to matches.

The verdict: A huge miss

Whilst Moyes and the supporting staff will be cautious of rushing the Englishman back, there can be no quantifying the impact Bowen’s absence has had on the Irons’ top-four hopes.

Despite maintaining a slim chance of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League spot via the Premier League final standings, winning the Europa League would now appear to present the most viable option for a place amongst Europe’s elite next season.

With 12 goals and 11 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this term (Transfermarkt), getting the man hailed as ‘amazing’ by Kevin Phillips back to full fitness for the challenges ahead will be crucial to West Ham’s chances, even if it means leaving him out against the Toffees today.

In other news, West Ham halt contract talks with key player. Find out who it is here.

Writing on his website, reliable reporter Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Italy has shared some major transfer news out of Tottenham Hotspur involving Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

The Lowdown: Spurs in talks over Amrabat…

Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have apparently set their sights on the Morocco international as a direct replacement for club-record signing Tanguy Ndombele, if the latter completes a move to Paris-Saint Germain (Fabrizio Romano).

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It is believed that Antonio Conte has personally earmarked the Moroccan’s signing, with Amrabat currently impressing at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Italian is believed to want a new midfielder before next Monday’s transfer deadline, with Spurs’ talks for the 25-year-old having been ongoing since Sunday.

In a big update, Di Marzio has shared a very promising development, with the Lilywhites on track to complete a deal for the player.

The Latest: Di Marzio makes Spurs transfer claim…

The journalist has said that Spurs are ‘close to closing’ the agreement with La Viola, and Amrabat is now set to join the north London club on loan until the end of the current campaign.

Di Marzio believes that it is set to be completed ‘in the coming hours’, with Conte’s midfield ‘set to get stronger’ with the Fiorentina ace’s prospective arrival.

The Verdict: Should Spurs move?

Despite not being given much of a chance at the Artemio Franchi Stadium this season, starting just one Serie A match, Amrabat’s best season in Italy indicates that he could be a good match for Spurs if he rediscovers such form.

During the 2019/20 campaign for former club Verona, he averaged an impressive 2.2 completed dribbles per 90 in midfield whilst completing 88% of his passes (WhoScored), pointing to a composed and tidy option for Conte.

However, during that campaign, he picked up a concerning 10 yellow cards and two reds in 33 starts, with his disciplinary record coming as a potential concern.

Alas, as Conte personally seeks his signing, it is clear that the 52-year-old believes Amrabat can add a different dimension to his Spurs squad.

In other news: Personal terms agreed: Conte edging closer to signing ‘world-beater’ for Tottenham, find out more here.

Former Wolves defender Matt Doherty could still seal a return to Molineux in the January transfer window, according to journalist Michael Bridge.

The Lowdown: Doherty linked with Wolves return

The 30-year-old has had a disappointing time of things at Tottenham since joining from Wanderers in 2020, failing to score in 42 appearances for the north London club and not getting a single Premier League start this season.

Doherty has been linked with a move back to Wolves this month in order to end his Spurs nightmare and return to the club where he thrived for so many years.

There is still time for a move to happen in the next couple of weeks and it has once again been talked up by some in the media.

The Latest: Bridge backs up Doherty return claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Bridge said that he believes the transfer could happen before the end of January.

The journalist claimed: “I’ve heard about this Wolves interest and I’ve read in some places that it’s going to happen.”

The Verdict: Good business if it happens

Doherty may have celebrated his 30th birthday on Sunday but he is still a player who has plenty to offer, and he could be a strong addition at Wolves.

That doesn’t mean he would come in and oust Nelson Semedo from the team instantly, but the Irishman would increase the squad depth at Bruno Lage’s disposal, allowing for more rotation in the coming months.

Doherty has been hailed as ‘sensational’ by Match of the Day pundit Jermaine Jenas in the past and his tally of 69 goal involvements for Wolves (28 goals, 41 assists) speaks volumes about the quality he could add.

It’s quite pleasing to hear Bridge stating his strong belief that the 30-year-old could again be lining out in Old Gold before the transfer window closes.

In other news, some Wolves fans are delighted after an update on one player’s future. Find out who it is here.

Flocking to Twitter, a number of West Ham fans have gone into meltdown following a deadline day update from Hammers insider ExWHUemployee.

The Athletic’s West Ham correspondent Roshane Thomas has reported that as it stands, the Hammers are not expecting to sign a player this window.

This comes following numerous transfer links, many of which have come in the past week, with a number of deals seemingly close to being agreed.

Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car was one deal fans expected to go through following multiple discussions between the two clubs. However, the negotiations came to a halt as an agreement could not be made regarding the structure of the deal. West Ham were looking for a loan deal with an option to buy, whereas Marseille were demanding a permanent sale.

Just today West Ham had a bid rejected for Benfica star Darwin Nunez, as the club looked to bolster their attacking options with a new striker. It was thought that the club were considering an improved offer, but it appears unlikely that this eventuality materialises.

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West Ham fans fume at Ex’s post

A Hammers fan shared The Athletic’s report on Twitter, asking popular insider ExWHUemployee for confirmation of the news.

Ex confirmed the news, saying: “That’s my feeling at this point yes. Unless something dramatic changes.”

Fans flooded the comments with hysteria, with many entering into meltdown following the club’s lack of transfer activity. Here’s what some of them had to say…

“I think this will be the final year of my season ticket until they are gone, if we don’t sign anyone”

Credit: @Jimlad66

“Never even come close to having a bid/offer accepted all month. Something seriously wrong with how we handle our business.”

Credit: @WestHamXtra

“Pathetic, oh well Declan knows the ambition now”

Credit: @tayloriw

“Thats Rice and Bowen leaving in the summer and us back to relegation battles”

Credit: @lynnfan99

“Only 6:20 but can we go to bed Ex?”

Credit: @Perkins_SZN

“We’re a joke.”

Credit: @HammerForLife

“It’s embarrassing now”

Credit: @andrewgreen1970

In other news: West Ham United: Fans fume at disappointing Caleta-Car news

Albian Ajeti is among the players who could leave Celtic during the January transfer window, according to The Daily Record’s Scott Burns. 

The lowdown

Celtic kicked off the window with three incomings in the form of Daizen Maeda, Yosuke Ideguchi and Reo Hatate, but it looks like Ange Postecoglou also intends to trim the excess from his Hoops squad this month.

Ajeti has made 17 appearances so far this season, but only three of those have been Premiership starts. Celtic paid £4.5million to sign this Swiss marksman from West Ham in August 2020, but he has only managed to score nine goals in his 48 outings since.

The latest

Burns wrote in The Daily Record that Celtic are ‘open to deals’ for Ajeti, Boli Bolingoli and Vassilis Barkas.

He added that Ismaila Soro ‘could also come into that equation’ after falling out of favour at Parkhead.

The verdict

If Celtic can offload all four players permanently, they could generate a healthy sum. Combine their Transfermarkt valuations – £1.35m each for Barkas and Bolingoli, £810,000 for Soro and £2.25m for Ajeti – and it comes to £5.76m.

That would put them comfortably in the black for January given that their J1 League triple swoop only cost them £2.06m overall.

Looking at it another way, it could finance the prospective permanent signing of Cameron Carter-Vickers from Tottenham Hotspur. Celtic have an option to buy the on-loan American for £6m, and Spurs may be willing to negotiate.

In other news, Celtic have been linked with this Bundesliga talent.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have erupted over a fresh transfer claim involving FC Basel forward Arthur Cabral.

The Brazilian has emerged as a transfer target for both Irons manager David Moyes and new recruitment chief Rob Newman in recent weeks as they expand their search for more attacking options.

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Cabral has been in red-hot form for the Swiss giants over 2021/22 so far, racking up an incredible 17 goals and four assists across 19 appearances in all competitions (Transfermarkt).

This has attracted West Ham’s interest amid their year-long search for a replacement for Sebastien Haller, with journalist Andre Oechsner now sharing an update on their bid.

Speaking to Hammers News, the correspondent for Swiss media outlet 4-4-2 explained that a €20m (£17m) offer has come from the Premier League and his ‘sources’ tell him its ‘probably’ West Ham.

West Ham fans erupt…

Taking to social media, it’s little wonder so many Irons supporters are excited about this reveal, taking into account Cabral’s prolific goalscoring record, age and his inclusion in the Brazil squad in recent months.

The 23-year-old earned his first Selecao call-up in October, with his electric form attracting the attention of Brazil general manager and former Middlesbrough star Juninho (TEAMtalk).

As their club potentially make an offer, there have been no shortage of reaction from West Ham fans – check out some of the best responses below:

“Begging it’s us! He’ll add so much to the side… The only other players who I think may be as good of a signing for us are either unproven as forwards (Thuram & Barrow) or x2 the price Watkins & Toney”

Credit: @WhufcSloth

“Il have some of that”

Credit: @JayThorogood19

“Different class on comparison to Ajeti mate. Ajeti small and not strong enough for Prem. This lad is big, quick and can finish. Hopefully the right attributes to be successful. Only time will tell”

Credit: @SamiDennis

“Fingers crossed.”

Credit: @Kenness

“Looks awesome on YouTube. Like Haller but with more personality and pep. Could be the new Frank that I’ve been hoping for for so long.”

Credit: @tw25rw

“Rob Newman finally doing his job”

Credit: @arrrrrrchie

“It’s a yes from me, assuming it is a) true, and b) actually us. I’ll link a clip below to whet your appetite, this is an exciting rumour.”

Credit: @WHU_Analytics

In other news: Newman now also eyeing bid to sign 129-goal ‘big name’ striker for West Ham, find out more here.

According to reports out of Spain, West Ham United and by extension manager David Moyes have set their sights on Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic as the Galacticos reportedly make a decision on the player’s future.

The Lowdown: West Ham set for interesting summer?

As the Hammers now become outside contenders for a top four place, with London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal seemingly in better positions, their pull in the next transfer window could hinge on whether they qualify for the Europa League or if they even go on to win the competition this season.

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Moyes has reportedly earmarked the signings of a centre-half and striker as major priorities for the club, with moves attempted in the winter, including for the likes of Darwin Nunez (Benfica) and Duvan Zapata (Atalanta).

As those transfers failed to come to fruition, West Ham must now look to the summer in an effort to boost Moyes’ options for 2022/23, with news now surfacing on a brand-new striker target in Galacticos forward Jovic.

The Latest: West Ham ‘fight’ for Jovic…

As per Spanish sources, West Ham and Moyes are eyeing a move for the Serbia international, who is allegedly ‘fed up’ with life at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid, who are also eager to see him leave the capital, are ‘looking for the Balkan striker’s exit’ as the Irons ‘fight’ for his signature alongside their Premier League top-four competitors Spurs and Arsenal.

In addition, with both player and club eager to see Jovic depart, this report claimed that ‘all roads reach an imminent agreement’ with any interested club willing to negotiate.

Indeed, it seems that if West Ham take their interest further, a quick-fire summer deal could be on the cards.

The Verdict: Make a move?

Jovic’s return for Eintracht Frankfurt points towards a striker with much ability when at the very peak of his powers. The 24-year-old notched a brilliant 17 goals and five assists over 25 Bundesliga starts in the 2018/19 season, perhaps illustrating why West Ham and Moyes have set their sights on him.

In more recent times, during Jovic’s brief return to Frankfurt on loan last year, their ex-manager Adi Hutter lavished the forward with praise, branding him a ‘world-class’ player after a brace against Schalke 04.

Still fairly young, and reportedly on the market for around €30m (£25m), West Ham could give Jovic a new lease of life in the English top flight and take advantage of Real Madrid’s willingness to strike a quick agreement.

In other news: Blow for Moyes as journalist says ‘underrated’ West Ham ace is now ‘ready to leave’, find out more here.

Speaking to Hammers News, Nathaniel Kay of the Chelsea Chronicle claimed that there is a ‘strong possibility’ that West Ham target Armando Broja will be sold by his parent club.

The Lowdown: West Ham need a striker

David Moyes has fared very well considering he has just one first-team striker at his disposal in Michail Antonio. However, the Jamaica international has struggled for consistent goalscoring form this season. He emphatically scored four goals in the Hammers’ opening three Premier League matches, but has only been able to add four more in his following 19 games.

However, winger Jarrod Bowen has stepped up to the plate by scoring six times, filling the Hammers’ void as their main threat in the final third. This has allowed the club to push on, with the Irons holding on to a place inside the top five.

Nonetheless, it is clear that West Ham need to bring in an extra striker to challenge Antonio, or even to start ahead of him when he’s struggling for form. This need has been exacerbated by the Hammers’ bid for automatic Champions League qualification as they fight for a place in the top four.

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The Latest: Broja is a ‘strong possibility’ for West Ham

According to Chelsea Chronicle reporter Kay, there is a ‘strong possibility’ that West Ham target Broja will be sold by the Blues, rather than being loaned out again.

The journalist told Hammers News: “I think there is a pretty strong possibility of selling him. Chelsea are clearly not lacking in attacking players and Thomas Tuchel will want to get the best out of those who have generally struggled (Werner, Havertz, Lukaku).

“The board are usually pretty good at sniffing out a good deal. If they can get £20m plus for a player they raised through the academy, that will be seen as decent business. Plus, they’ve sold to West Ham already this season with Kurt Zouma, so it wouldn’t be entirely surprising if they did so again.

“I think the performances of the likes of Lukaku, Werner and Havertz will play a massive part in this potential move .. [and] if they can all get 10-15 goals or more before the campaign concludes, then Broja may be viewed as a spare part.

“After succeeding with Southampton, he won’t want to play back up to Chelsea’s current crop of forwards. With the Hammers in Europe – and if they get into Europe again – the thought of changing capital city allegiance would be even more enticing.”

The Verdict: Broja could be the perfect solution

The Albanian striker has proved that he is clinical in the final third, having scored five Premier League goals this season, plus a further two strikes in two Carabao Cup games, making him Southampton’s top scorer.

Moyes has been on the hunt for a new striker for the last two years, with his search being made all the more critical when the club sold Sebastien Haller to Ajax in last year’s January transfer window.

The “dangerous” Southampton loanee, as his manager Ralph Hasenhuttl recently described him, could prove to be the man to solve Moyes’ attacking dilemma, and at just 20 years of age, he could be the solution to West Ham’s centre-forward shortage for many years to come.

In other news: Contract talks are now underway for this West Ham stalwart

Real Madrid do not intend to allow young forward Rodrygo to join Liverpool in the January transfer window, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Liverpool linked with Rodrygo move

According to a recent report, the Reds are eyeing up a transfer for the Brazilian next month as Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The 20-year-old has had to make do with a squad role in Madrid so far this season, making just five La Liga starts and 10 substitute appearances in the Spanish top flight.

However, if Romano is to be believed, it doesn’t appear as though Liverpool have much chance of getting their man.

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The Latest: Romano downplays transfer

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Romano claimed that Real Madrid have no intention of selling Rodrygo any time soon, with a new deal potentially on the cards instead. He tweeted:

“Real Madrid have no plan to offload or sell Rodrygo in January, as things stand. There’s no negotiation with Liverpool or any other club.

“His contract will be discussed soon, with a possible extension to be negotiated in the next months.”

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The Verdict: One for the future

Rodrygo is a hugely exciting talent with 11 goals and 14 assists to his name for the Spanish giants, while his manager Carlo Ancelotti hailed the youngster’s “cool-headed” nature in front of goal earlier this year.

The Brazilian could potentially be a long-term successor to the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, both of whom are due to partake in AFCON next month. He possesses the same electric pace and directness in wide areas, and at 20, he should become more polished in the coming years. Neither Salah nor Mane were well-known world stars at Basel and RB Salzburg respectively at the same age, after all.

It looks as though Real Madrid will keep hold of him for the time being, but if the Reds had the chance of signing him further down the line, it could be an inspired piece of business, not least with Liverpool’s African duo both turning 30 next year.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have reacted to a separate transfer rumour. Read more here.