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After a decent start to their Premier League campaign, West Ham United have stumbled in recent weeks with just one win in their previous six top-flight games.

With the January transfer window opening in a matter of days, journalist Paul Brown has dropped a claim on a potential piece of business that the Hammers could look to execute as they aim to end the season in the top four of the Premier League table.

What’s the news?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown was discussing the possibility of West Ham making a move to try and sign Sparta Prague striker Adam Hlozek, with whom the club have been linked in recent weeks, in the upcoming window

He said: “It might be that kind of profile they look for. Yeah, I could see that. That kind of transfer being one they do more than [Andrea] Belotti or a [Anthony] Martial who would cost a lot of money and expects to play every week.”

As a product of Sparta’s youth academy, Hlozek has gone on to make 111 senior appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 33 goals and providing 33 assists along the way, which is very impressive considering that he’s only 19.

Even though he may not have the experience of the likes of Belotti (238 appearances for Torino) or Martial (268 appearances for Manchester United), the teenager has still shown what an exciting goalscoring prospect he is.

Fans could be buzzing

With West Ham having signed the likes of Tomas Soucek, Vladimir Coufal and Alex Kral, all of whom come from the Czech Republic, Hlozek could be the next in line to follow in their footsteps and become a potential future star at the London Stadium.

If West Ham were to sign the teenager in January ahead of the likes of Martial and Belotti, the youngster could be just what the Irons need given how Michail Antonio hasn’t scored since their 1-0 win over Tottenham back in October, especially if the Czech youngster can hit the ground running in a goalscoring sense.

Moving forward, with January around the corner, the Hammers should definitely explore the possibility of signing Hlozek to see if he can relieve the scoring burden on sole centre-forward Antonio. A coup like this would leave the fan base buzzing, not least when looking at the 19-year-old’s excellent scoring record.

In other news: GSB could solve Moyes’ big issue at West Ham with move for “unbelievable” £19k-p/w “monster”

Arsenal have been handed a late boost in their bid to sign Yves Bissouma this January transfer window…

What’s the word?

The Gunners were linked with a move for the Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder earlier this month by The Sunday Mirror (09/01, p71), whilst they have seemingly held a long-term interest in signing him.

Now, according to The Times, the Seagulls are prepared to let him go before Monday night’s deadline for a fee of £50m.

Arsenal have missed out on some key midfield targets this window, including Arthur Melo, whose potential loan move from Juventus fell through, and Bruno Guimaraes, who is set to join top-flight rivals Newcastle United.

Arteta needs him

A new central midfielder must be among the many priorities around the Emirates Stadium but time is quickly running out, which is why a move for a player already based in the Premier League makes the world of sense.

Brighton have made their willingness to conduct business very clear, so the door has opened for Edu Gaspar and his recruitment staff to strike. It would be unforgivable not to.

The Gunners have offloaded as many as five players this month already, all without making a single signing, leaving Arteta light on options in the engine room.

It doesn’t help that Thomas Partey and Mo Elneny have been away on international duty but even with them around, there’s a serious lack of depth in midfield.

Bissouma has already proven his credentials in England and would be a fine addition indeed.

As per WhoScored, he’s averaging a whopping 3.6 tackles per game, which sees him top the entire division in this regard, whilst also managing 1.9 interceptions and 1.7 dribbles per outing, too.

He’s evidently an absolute beast in the heart of the pitch, one capable of not only winning the ball back but also driving it forward into the final third. Perhaps exactly what Arsenal are missing.

Former Aston Villa star Lee Hendrie once said: “I did a chat with myself and Paul Merson on Soccer Saturday a few weeks ago talking about Bissouma, and we highlighted what he actually does. I mean, his stats are absolutely phenomenal, the way he breaks the game up, his forward play.”

By comparison, the erroneous Granit Xhaka – who plays a similar role in north London – averages a lower 1.7 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and 0.4 dribbles per match, via WhoScored.

Valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, the 25-year-old Mali international has been described as a “wonderful talent” and likened to Yaya Toure in terms of playing style.

Arteta could really do with Bissouma before tomorrow night’s deadline, so it will certainly be an interesting final 24 hours or so.

AND in other news, “I’m told..”: Reliable journo drops huge transfer claim as Arsenal make Prem star their no.1 target…

A number of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to an update regarding the Eagles and AS Roma manager Paulo Fonseca on social media, with one fan calling the potential appointment ‘amazing’.

According to reports from Italy, relayed by Sports Witness, Palace have held a ‘direct’ conversation with Fonseca about potentially taking over from Roy Hodgson.

Hodgson, who will turn 74 in August, is out of contract at Selhurst Park in the summer, with the likes of Sean Dyche, Eddie Howe and Frank Lampard all being linked with the job.

However, it seems as if Palace’s interest in the current Roma boss is ‘concrete’ following discussions two weeks ago.

Reports claim that Fonseca looks set to leave Italy, and it seems as if the 6-2 defeat to Manchester United on Thursday has put the final nail in his Roma coffin.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared the news regarding Palace’s contact with Fonseca on Twitter on Friday morning.

These Eagles supporters all had strong views on the update, with on describing a potential appointement as ‘amazing’.

“FLAT CAP IN THE DUGOUT AT SELHURST.. IT’S EVERYTHING I’VE EVER DREAMED OF!”

Credit: @Wheddsta

“They lost 6-2 last night but he’s young, he’s foreign and he’s not Roy so I’m on my knees”

Credit: @unknownbald

“We’d need some good investment obviously but this would be amazing if we can pull this off”

Credit: @CPFCMax03

“Still don’t believe it. Especially after last night’s disaster class, no way are the board gonna want to take such a huge risk with him”

Credit: @The_ArmaniCode

“Yikes, after Roma’s defensive performance last night this ‘risky’ shortlist choice doesn’t exactly get any safer.”

Credit: @OliverRender

“This is draining can we please just decide on a manager (preferably a good one)”

Credit: @localpla9tic

In other news: Many CPFC fans react at recent Wilfried Zaha development, find out more here. 

Rangers were dealt a big blow earlier this month when the news dropped that striker Alfredo Morelos will miss the rest of the season through injury.

In the Colombian’s absence, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has had to rely on Kemar Roofe to fill in and lead the line for his side.

Even though the Gers have some important games left to play before the season draws to an end and the summer transfer window opens, it seems as though the club are in the mix to sign one player that could potentially bring an end to Roofe’s time at Ibrox.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Football League World, Rangers are interested in signing Stoke City striker Jacob Brown.

Since joining the Championship club back in September 2020 from Barnsley, the Scotsman has gone on to make 95 appearances for the Potters across all competitions.

Bad news for Roofe

This season has seen the 24-year-old Brown really make a name for himself as a dangerous goalscorer.

In 42 league appearances, the striker has found the back of the net 12 times and provided four assists along the way.

Labelled as a “versatile” player by Michael O’Neill and as a “bright talent” by journalist Alan Biggs, Brown has racked up more shots at goal (80) than any other Stoke player.

Also, no other forward has been able to match the same number of tackles (24) or interceptions (16) that Brown has, showing how he can defend from the front.

This shows just how much of an all-around useful player he is on the pitch for his side, who would surely be gutted to see him leave.

Even though Roofe has only played half the number of SPFL games that the £2.7m-rated Stoke striker has this season in the Championship, it seems rather difficult to get him to do much defensive work.

With 21 league games played, the Jamaican has only made two tackles and four interceptions for the Gers.

Taking this into account and the age difference between Brown and the 29-year-old Rangers figure, Stoke’s sharp-shooter could be an ideal long-term upgrade on Roofe at Ibrox.

Moving forward, if the opportunity to sign the 24-year-old arises during the summer, Van Bronckhorst’s side should be doing everything they can to bring the centre-forward to his home country and give him the chance to win titles with the Gers.

In other news: GvB can unearth Rangers’ next Aribo in rarely-seen 18 y/o who’s “unlike anyone else”

Flocking to an official West Ham United post, plenty of Irons supporters were in awe of star midfielder Tomas Soucek after the club relayed news of his brilliant international hat-trick for the Czech Republic on Wednesday night.

The 26-year-old, who has arguably been manager David Moyes’ signing of the season, took his fine form abroad as he helped to dismantle European minnows Estonia.

Soucek enjoyed a lethal evening as his nation got off to a fine World Cup qualifying start, opening his account just 32 minutes into the game and adding two more strikes soon afterwards – cementing a well deserved hat trick in the resounding 6-2 victory.

West Ham United, in response, let Irons supporters know of Soucek’s masterclass against Estonia – resulting in plenty of Hammers fans worshipping the midfielder.

Coming just after he was named Czech Footballer of the Year, it’s safe to say he’s enjoying a fine campaign.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans hail Soucek in club post response

“Sensational Soucek”

Credit: @IronessWest

“What a bargain he has turned out to be”

Credit: @allthingsirons

“Wow he’s just so good”

Credit: @nathware10

“Unreal”

Credit: @TheWestHamVault

“signing of the season”

Credit: @hammers_dave

“Different class”

Credit: @WHU_Nathan

“Best midfielder in the world”

Credit: @WHUNath8

In other news: West Ham fans were also lived at GSB, find out why here.

Leicester City have received a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Sassuolo winger Domenico Berardi.

What’s the story?

The Foxes have been linked with a move for the Italy international in recent weeks as Brendan Rodgers looks to strengthen his first-team squad.

Sassuolo’s CEO Giovanni Carnevali has now admitted he can’t ensure Berardi will stay at the Mapei Stadium next season, giving Leicester hope that a deal can be made.

“I cannot promise that Berardi will stay. It is not a question of money,” he was quoted as saying by Italian broadcaster Sportitalia (as reported by Inside Futbol).

Rodgers will be buzzing

The 26-year-old forward has been one of Serie A’s standout performers over the last few years, bagging 86 goals and providing a further 56 assists in 238 top-flight appearances for his boyhood club, and reports that he could be available this summer will surely delight Leicester chief Rodgers.

Cengiz Under has returned to parent club AS Roma after a disappointing loan spell at the King Power Stadium last term, leaving the Foxes light on numbers out wide. An injury to the highly-rated Harvey Barnes at the backend of 2020/21 saw the likes of Ayoze Perez and Ricardo Pereira forced to plug a gap on the right-hand side, undermining the team’s excellent early-season form.

With the ageing Marc Albrighton the only recognised right winger in Leicester’s first team squad, an extra body is badly needed if the Foxes are to finally finish inside the top four.

Berardi has established a solid reputation in his homeland for bursting down the wing with his blistering pace, before cutting inside on his favoured left foot and burying the ball beyond the keeper. He’s had no difficulty in transferring his impressive exploits at club level onto the international scene, laying on two assists for the Azzurri in their Euro 2020 group stage encounters.

Berardi’s possible addition to the FA Cup holders’ forward ranks would make them a daunting prospect for any Premier League defence next season, and the club’s supporters will surely be hoping that director of football Jon Rudkin can get this deal over the line.

In other news… Leicester handed major injury boost ahead of next season, Rodgers will be buzzing 

A very reliable source has confirmed the worrying news surrounding Declan Rice’s future at West Ham but there remains cause for optimism…

What’s the word?

The Telegraph’s Matt Law dropped a bombshell on Thursday morning, claiming that the 22-year-old midfielder had rejected two contract offers from the Irons’ hierarchy, which has subsequently put the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United on high alert.

Rice is now expected to wait and see if West Ham’s top-flight rivals follow up that reported interest with a bid.

This news has since been confirmed by one of the most trustworthy insiders around London Stadium in ExWHUemployee. In a series of tweets following the news, he said:

“The information about Rice is true. This is because the contract offers have been below what [Andriy] Yarmolenko is currently on, what [Javier] Hernandez was on and other well-paid players. For the player to stay at the club and turn down big moves, the pay needs to reflect his ability.

“If you compare [to] his international teammates, they obviously have a much higher wage and opportunities for success. These are how negotiations go and could change (which is why I didn’t report [this] and the inevitable reaction) however the offer does need to improve significantly,” he added.

“The club however have apparently no intention to sell. They do expect a huge offer before they will consider [it] and so far there has been no offer. So if that remains the case, he will be a West Ham player next year.”

Have no fear

When this news first broke, you could forgive many in east London for their worries, as it certainly seemed like it was a ploy to bolster his chances of leaving the club this summer.

In reality, it seems as if Rice wants to be paid to match his ability, and considering that he’s excelling at Euro 2020 as England have made it to the quarter-finals, he deserves that.

You must also remember that the Hammers are in a very strong position over the £58.5m-rated midfielder as he’s currently under contract until 2024, although they will need to make a massive improvement to those £60,000-per-week wages to have a tighter grip on David Moyes’ star man and future skipper.

As Ex goes onto suggest, West Ham have absolutely zero intention to sell, which should come as no surprise considering just how crucial he is to this team as well as Moyes’ past remarks on his future.

Back in January, the Scotsman fired out a warning to all his interested suitors, claiming that: “Bank of England money would be required, and you might even need to add Bank of Scotland on to that as well because he has been so good,” via Goal.com.

Indeed, a £100m price tag has been mooted elsewhere.

Rice has now picked up 21 caps for the Three Lions and rated as Moyes’ fourth-best player last season on their way to their best finish since 1999. They simply have to improve his contract – he deserves it.

No other West Ham player averaged more interceptions per game (1.8) or a better seasonal passing accuracy rate (88%) than the 6 foot 1 beast in 2020/21.

Ex also suggests that there is yet to be a firm bid from anyone, and at this rate, we can expect him to be a Hammers player next term, when they will be competing in the Europa League.

Whilst there was initially doubt over the news, this latest claim from Ex should leave fans a little more relieved, maybe even buzzing, that Rice appears set to stay.

AND in other news, Moyes must seal West Ham swoop for “fearless” £18m-rated “beast” after exciting update…

As Liverpool beat Aston Villa 2-1 this afternoon at Anfield, many Reds were left unimpressed with the performance of midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum – so much so that some Reds supporters called him ‘shocking’ and a ‘clown’.

Wijnaldum was started by manager Jurgen Klopp in midfield as the Reds improved upon their recently torrid record on Merseyside.

The Dutchman is out of contract at the end of the season with much being made over his future recently – and it’s safe to say Liverpool supporters weren’t exactly overjoyed with his outing this afternoon

According to SofaScore, the 30-year-old lost the ball six times and won just two out of his five ground duels in midfield before being taken off by Klopp in the second half.

He was also among the lowest rated players in the squad, with SofaScore giving him a 6.5/10 on the day. 

Given these stats, it’s little wonder Reds weren’t impressed – find all of their verdicts down below, where it’s fair to say these fans won’t miss the Dutchman if he leaves the club this summer…

Liverpool fans hammer Wijnaldum

“Wijnaldum is shocking, seems to lose his brains anytime he has a chance to pass the ball forward during a quick attack! Must he turn and twist in every chance? We need Keita now!”

Credit: @mshale_k

“Get the clown wijnaldum off”

Credit: @TMLFC19

“i love Wijnaldum but my god the guy has been woeful these last few games.”

Credit: @YaBoi_Thanatos

“I hope he never starts for us again”

Credit: @AAA18_YNWA

“Poor”

Credit: @LFCThreads

“Awful as always!!!”

Credit: @ScouseNawaf

“Can’t leave soon enough”

Credit: @GilmourRuaridh

“Wijnaldum was playing?”

Credit: @dylan_the_kid_

In other news: Liverpool are in the ‘final stages’ of this move, find out more here.

Former Rangers star Michael Ball says that the club will back Steven Gerrard if he decides to pursue Heerenveen midfielder Joey Veerman, in an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern.

The 22-year-old has been in fine form for the Dutch club this season, scoring seven goals and laying on 10 assists in 31 Eredivisie games.

Inside Futbol have carried quotes from Ferry de Haan, the club’s technical director, who is said to have confirmed that there is interest in the player.

He will cost around £8.5m, per the report, and Ball believes that Rangers will gladly back Gerrard if he decides to pursue a move.

Veerman is just 22 and he is a versatile presence, capable of playing in defensive and central midfield, as well as on the left of midfield.

A former Netherlands U21 international, Ball believes that a deal could well be done this summer, as the board look to back the boss.

Speaking to TT, he said: “They know the Dutch, how they are trained, and how they come through the youth system. His numbers are fantastic.

“He will probably cost more than Ryan Kent maybe, or around the same amount of money, so if Steven wants him as number one target, I feel the club will 100% back him.”

After giving Aston Villa fans a glimpse of what he could do, Leon Bailey must surely be given the chance to make his full debut for the club when his side take on Chelsea on Saturday evening.

Dean Smith’s side travel to the reigning Champions League holders at Stamford Bridge, hoping to kick-start their Premier League season following a mixed start thus far.

One way that they could certainly cause the Blues some major problems is by unleashing one of their marquee summer signings in Bailey.

The former Bayer Leverkusen star has barely had any chance to show the Villa support what he is capable of producing following his move from Germany, with him missing the last two matches in the top flight due to a hamstring injury.

However, after coming off the bench to great effect against Watford on the opening day – he marked his Premier League debut for the club by setting up John McGinn’s goal and almost sparking a late comeback – Bailey showed just what he can bring to the table.

Speaking before Villa officially confirmed the deal to sign the winger, Alan Hutton threw his backing behind a move for the Jamaica international.

He said: “I’m so excited to see this one. I’ve heard a lot about him over the past two or three seasons. He’s obviously still very young but he’s electric, he gets people off their seats. That’s what you want in a player.

“But what’s more impressive, 15 goals and 11 assists from wide areas in the German league. That’s unbelievable. It’s the kind of consistency you want from your wingers.”

Former Ajax youth coach Ronald de Boer once said of the Jamaican: “He’s so fast it’s not normal. His speed, combined with his technique, is very rare. Exceptional. He has no weak points.”

Leverkusen’s sporting director Rudi Voller added: “He’s got extraordinary pace, he’s very skilful with the ball, and he will give further impetus to our attacking department.”

Bailey has the kind of pace, as both De Boer and Voller will testify, which would surely frighten Chelsea and make their wing-backs think twice about constantly trying to bomb forward.

The Jamaican could hurt Thomas Tuchel’s side on the counterattack if the Blues decided to push a bit further forward, and Smith could give his team a devastating weapon by starting him for the first time in a Villa shirt.

And, with Emi Buendia out due to travelling with Argentina, Bailey has the perfect chance to ensure Villa don’t miss one of their other summer signings.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa delivered a transfer masterclass with this ace…