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Speaking to Football Insider, BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton has been left thrilled by a West Ham transfer claim involving Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips.

The Lowdown: West Ham line up Phillips move…

As per Football Insider, it appears that Irons manager David Moyes is targeting the Reds powerhouse, who has found game-time difficult to come by this season. Starting 15 Premier League games under Jurgen Klopp last year, the 24-year-old has been restricted to just 46 minutes across all competitions so far this term (WhoScored).

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He has duly been linked with a move away in January, and West Ham are apparently lining up a move to sign him for Moyes. As per Football Insider sources, the groundwork is being laid for a potential winter deal as the Hammers eye cover for injured defender Angelo Ogbonna, and it is believed that a fee as small as £12m could be enough to get the deal done.

The Latest: Hutton approves…

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League defender Hutton has been left thrilled by the development, voicing his approval of the prospective move. He said:

““Moyes’ transfer record has been brilliant since he’s been at the club.

“I think this fits the bill – a young player who’s got that experience and big-game experience. He’s still got a lot to learn but I think under the likes of David Moyes you can learn as you go along.

“He’s that type of guy, he’s building something for the future. I think the West Ham team are very strong at the moment. There’s a lot young players in there who are doing unbelievably well. I think Phillips would fit that bill.

“The price is great and for a guy so young, there’s a lot of room there for improvement. There could be a sell-on fee.

“There’s so much going in the right direction for him so I see that as being a good move. Jurgen Klopp, with the amount he has got back fit now, Konate’s come in as well, it is going to be limited game time for Phillips.

“It might suit all parties.”

The Verdict: Bang on…

As Phillips searches for more game-time and West Ham scour the market for greater depth, this transfer would certainly come as a win-win for both the Irons and Liverpool, just as Hutton has intimated.

A fee of £12m is arguably too good to turn down, especially for a player who averaged more aerial duels won per 90 and clearances made than any of West Ham’s current defenders last season (WhoScored).

Homegrown, fairly young and with it all to prove, Phillips could certainly come as an astute January option and possible alternative to Craig Dawson. Lauded as a ‘monster’ by Klopp, the centre-half may well be what West Ham are seeking.

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

Transfer insider Dean Jones has made a claim on Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes and reported manager target Erik ten Hag.

The Lowdown: New Fernandes deal; Ten Hag talks

Fernandes looks set to pen a new five-year deal in Manchester, as first reported by Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer guru shared a ‘breakthrough’ in talks last week and added on the weekend that it is a matter of time until the contracts are signed.

The Red Devils star looks set to be a key member of the squad going forward under a new manager, possibly Ten Hag, after the club held ‘positive talks’ with the Ajax boss earlier this month.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Talking to The Transfer Tavern, Jones had this to say on contract situations, such as Fernandes, and Ten Hag possibly coming in at Old Trafford.

“I think that players with their contract situations like Bruno Fernandes, for example, were led to believe that that Ten Hag was the path that they were going to go down. So I still think that it’s most likely to be Ten Hag.”

The Verdict: Interesting…

It seems as if players such as Fernandes have been getting the feeling that Ten Hag will replace Ralf Rangnick over the summer.

That could have possibly played a part in the attacking midfielder committing his future at the club, and United chiefs now need to tie up a move for the 52-year-old.

He has been approached by two more clubs following talks with the Red Devils, so the last thing United will want is to miss out on his services and possibly upset several players, including Fernandes.

In other news: ‘Absolutely shocking’ – Source reveals Man Utd star now wants to quit even if Ten Hag arrives

Aston Villa have not been shy when it comes to new signings during the January transfer window, with four new senior players coming through the door over the past few weeks.

With deadline day in sight, it seems as though a fresh twist has emerged regarding their reported hunt for yet another new face to bring in and strengthen Steven Gerrard’s squad.

What’s the latest?

According to a recent Twitter post from BBC journalist Phil McNulty, Villa “have not made a bid” for Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who has been linked with a move to the Midlands in recent days.

The journalist added that the Villans “made an inquiry two weeks ago but have not gone back since”.

In addition, Italian journalist Romeo Agresti has recently claimed that Villa have now left the race to sign the 24-year-old.

Since joining the Italian giants back in 2017 from Boca Juniors, the midfielder has gone on to make 181 appearances for Juventus across all competitions including the Champions League, scoring three goals and providing 18 assists along the way.

The £22.5m-rated ace has also racked up plenty of international experience, with 46 appearances for Uruguay under his belt.

Fans will be raging

Having seen their club strengthen pretty much every area of their squad so far in the January transfer window apart from central midfield, Villa fans will surely not be happy to hear that the club have apparently given up on trying to sign an experienced top-level midfielder in Bentancur with deadline day fast approaching.

With central midfield being an area that Gerrard reportedly wants to strengthen this month, the club will need to move swiftly if they want to bring one in before the deadline, if they have indeed moved on from the possibility of securing Bentancur’s signature.

Also, with current Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba still out injured and Douglas Luiz being linked with a move away from the club, that further enhances Villa’s need to secure a new midfielder sooner rather than later so that Gerrard doesn’t suffer the potential consequences.

In other news – Forget Chukwuemeka: Gerrard could land his own Grealish at Villa Park with “exceptional” starlet

Writing on his Patreon, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has shared an update on West Ham’s transfer plans involving Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye moves…

As the January transfer window deadline approaches, the Irons and manager David Moyes are said to be eyeing much-needed additions in east London with the acquisition of a centre-back having come as real a goal for the club.

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Kurt Zouma returned to action against Manchester United yesterday afternoon after recovering from a serious hamstring injury, but despite his previously anticipated return, the club have still been linked with a new defender.

Liverpool’s Phillips is one name who repeatedly keeps emerging as Ex provides some information.

The Latest: Ex makes Phillips claim…

Writing on his Patreon, Ex says the Englishman is still a target for Moyes and the club alongside the likes of Burnley’s James Tarkowski.

As well as this, the insider claims a possible ‘loan with view to buy deal’ is currently ‘being discussed’.

Moyes is apparently targeting a left-sided central defender specifically with the Scotsman earmarking Phillips as a candidate.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The 6 foot 2 powerhouse would undoubtedly be a brilliant signing on those kinds of terms, especially going by his numbers for Liverpool last season and praise from Jurgen Klopp.

He averaged a brilliant 4.8 clearances per 90 over his Premier League appearances when playing regularly over 2020/2021, far more than any Reds player in that time (WhoScored).

Liverpool’s manager raved over the 24-year-old at the back end of last season, calling him ‘absolutely incredible’ and an ‘aerial monster’ to the press (Goal).

With plaudits like these, signing him on loan with a view to buy could be a real snip.

In other news: Insider says West Ham agreement for ‘world class’ £17.1m striker is ‘there to be done’, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to make a move for a new centre-back in the summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel, who delivered a rather exciting claim to GIVEMESPORT this week. When asked about the central defensive department, he replied:

“I think that is definitely an area they will look to strengthen in the summer.”

Colossal signing

Spurs are certainly going to need to make further additions to Antonio Conte’s playing squad when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season and finding a new centre-back would be a good place to start.

The Italian has often turned to full-back Ben Davies as the third man in his backline as he is the only natural left-footer capable of playing as centre-back. He alongside Cristian Romero, who is only on loan from Atalanta, and Eric Dier is likely to be the first-choice trio for the rest of the season.

There appears to be little faith in his three other options – Davinson Sanchez, Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga – with the latter two being linked with exits throughout the winter.

Perhaps aside from Rodon, it’s easy to see why the 52-year-old isn’t keen on the other two as they have often been calamitous and rather error-prone. That much is summed up by their mistakes in the three games against Chelsea last month.

Whilst it remains to be seen what sort of defensive signing the club will target, they have been linked to some rather exciting names in the past, including Conte’s former title-winning colossus at Inter Milan, Stefan de Vrij, and Juventus’ big-money signing Matthijs de Ligt.

Both of whom would offer huge upgrades on his current options.

A lot of Conte’s recent success in stints at the San Siro giants and Chelsea have been built from the back and having solid options will certainly help bring success back to the Lilywhites.

He will surely be buzzing to hear that a new centre-back is “definitely” on the agenda.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Hojbjerg: Conte has formidable Spurs unit with £15.9m “extraordinary talent”…

Interest in West Ham United centre-back Issa Diop is growing ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Santi Aouna, with the Foot Mercato journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that the trio of AC Milan, Newcastle United and Watford have made contact with the Irons regarding a deal for the 24-year-old defender.

Meanwhile, manager David Moyes is believed to be interested in a number of centre-back targets of his own this winter, with Liverpool’s Nathaniel Phillips and LOSC Lille’s Sven Botman thought to be on the 58-year-old’s shortlist – something that the Daily Mail claim is down to the fact that there are ‘questions remaining over the reliability of Frenchman Issa Diop.’

Moyes can axe Diop with Botman signing

While Diop is undeniably a player who is an extremely useful squad member at the London Stadium, should Moyes have the chance to cash in on the former France U21 international this winter, and subsequently replace him with a centre-back of Botman’s ability, it is certainly a move that the Hammers boss must look to pull off.

Indeed, Diop has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot in the Hammers side since his then-club record £22m arrival in east London back in 2018, with the 24-year-old being typically used as a backup option under the management of Moyes.

This has been the case in the current campaign, in which the £10.8m-rated man has made just five Premier League appearances – which have come as a result of both Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna being sidelined due to injuries.

And, over these five league outings, the £61k-per-week defender dubbed a “colossus” by Stuart Pearce has hardly shone for the Hammers, averaging a disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.60 – ranking him as the club’s joint second-worst performer in the top flight.

Meanwhile, Botman has been in rather contrasting form over his 12 Ligue 1 appearances this term, helping his side keep two clean sheets, scoring one goal and providing his teammates with one assist, as well as making an average of 0.8 interceptions, one tackle, 51.5 passes and winning 68% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the 21-year-old, who Kevin Phillips dubbed a “[Virgil] Van Dijk-like signing”, average an impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.02, ranking him as Jocelyn Gourvennec’s joint fourth-best player in the French top flight.

As such, should Moyes indeed have the chance to recoup a decent portion of the club’s initial £22m outlay on Diop next month, it would seem very wise for the 58-year-old to do so, before reinvesting the money in a move for the £27m-rated Netherlands U21 international.

In other news: Forget Bowen: £47k-p/w WHU monster who won 64% duels will be giving Watford nightmares

Rangers have been hit with a fresh injury concern over Ibrox central midfielder Aaron Ramsey…

What’s the latest?

Gio van Bronckhorst has confirmed that the Wales international suffered a hamstring setback in the Scottish Cup win on Sunday.

The on-loan gem was forced off in the first half with the score at 0-0 as Scott Wright was pressed into action earlier than he may have expected, with the Gers going on to win 2-1 in extra time to make it to the final of the competition.

However, they could have to play in the showpiece clash without Ramsey if this knock rules him out for a number of weeks.

Journalist Phil Cadden quoted the head coach as saying: “He had a problem with his hamstring. It didn’t look really good. We will have to assess him, but of course it is a blow for us that he will be out. I don’t know for how long. We just have to assess him on Monday and see where he is.”

Van Bronckhorst will be infuriated

This is a huge blow for the Gers and van Bronckhorst will be furious with this latest injury issue for the midfielder as it has been an almost constant problem for him since arriving in January.

Ramsey has only started four matches in the Premiership and Europa League combined for the club as he has been dealing with his own fitness in recent months. The Juventus man has been unable to string a run of matches together and now looks set for another spell on the sidelines.

Until Rangers know the extent of the damage it is impossible to gauge how long he will be out for action for. Hamstring injuries can range from days to months to recover from depending on the grade of the tear and this means that he could be back next week or it could be his season over and done with.

Losing him for any number of matches will be a huge blow as he has shown that he does have the quality to make a big impact when he does play. He has scored two goals in his three Premiership starts, including one against Celtic in the Old Firm, and has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.98 in the division.

Ramsey can score from midfield and has the experience in European competition that can be vital against RB Leipzig in the semi-finals of the Europa League. He has played for Arsenal and Juventus in Europe and this means that he knows what it takes to perform at that level, making his potential absence against the German side a sizeable concern for the head coach and that is another reason why he will be furious with this injury blow.

AND in other news, Forget Arfield: “Superb” £24k-p/w Rangers machine was “out of this world” today…

According to Rai journalist Filippo Grassia, speaking to Italian outlet Passione Inter [via Inside Futbol], Newcastle United have lodged a bid of around €100m (£85m) for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

What’s the latest?

Newcastle’s new owners are fast approaching their first transfer window since taking over from previous owner Mike Ashley, with high expectations regarding the amount of money which could be spent.

An array of top talents across Europe have been linked with a move to the northeast, with the latest being Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Serbian’s name has circulated the English media for a number of months now, with the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United and now Newcastle linked with a potential swoop for the forward.

At just 21 years of age, he is currently the top scorer in Serie A, netting 15 goals and registering two assists in 17 league games this term, duly making him one of Europe’s most sought-after players. Moreover, it is believed that the striker has recently rejected a new deal at the Italian club, pricking up the ears of interested potential suitors.

Vlahovic would enter the final 18 months of his contract at Fiorentina next summer if he doesn’t leave in January, but with an £85m bid from Newcastle being reported, it appears that La Viola may be forced to sell.

The Toon Army will be buzzing

If Newcastle are able to sign a player ahead of the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United for the significant amount of money being reported, it would be a major statement of intent.

The Magpies are currently 19th in the Premier League table, having won just once in the top flight this season, and they will need reinforcements in January to boost their survival bid.

Callum Wilson is currently their top scorer with six goals in 13 games, but only Allan Saint-Maximin has also scored more than once in the league so far this term, with three goals to his name.

Newcastle have netted 18 goals so far in the league, but they have the top flight’s worst defence, conceding 37 goals in 17 matches.

Furthermore, Wilson has scored a third of the Magpies’ goals, so an injury to the 29-yer-old could have detrimental consequences if it occurs, hence the need to purchase a striker in January.

It will always prove a huge task to follow in the footsteps of Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, who netted 206 goals for the Magpies, making him their all-time leading scorer. However, in the hugely prolific Vlahovic, they could find their best attempt at replacing the Geordie legend since he ended his playing career 15 years ago.

Still very young and without Premier League experience, it could be argued that spending such a vast amount of money on Vlahovic is risky, particularly with survival in the balance. However, it would be a major statement of intent, and the gamble could prove to have remarkable consequences should it pay off.

In other news: Eddie Howe outlines potential Newcastle injury setback, fans could be gutted

Everton are back in Premier League action today with an early afternoon kick-off against Aston Villa at Goodison Park in what will be Duncan Ferguson’s first game in charge of the team since he was appointed as caretaker manager following the sacking of Rafael Benitez after their disheartening 2-1 defeat against Norwich City at Carrow Road last weekend.

On the chalkboard

In terms of which players Ferguson could pick to be in his starting XI to take on Steven Gerrard’s side, one Toffees player who did not start against Norwich but we feel should be in the team from the outset on this occasion is Richarlison, who is currently on £110k-per-week according to Salary Sport.

After coming on with 54 minutes on the clock against Norwich, the 24-year-old not only managed to pull a goal back for the visitors with a brilliant bicycle-kick goal, he also completed two of his three dribbles and completed 11 of his 12 passes and won four duels, showing how much of an attacking threat he was for Everton and how much of a nuisance he was for the opposition.

This cameo performance earned the Brazilian an overall match rating of 7.3/10, making him Everton’s highest-rated player on the day according to SofaScore, highlighting the quality he has and showing the sort of impact he can have on the team.

With this in mind and the 24-year-old having 46 goals in 131 appearances for Everton across all competitions, it shows why having him in the starting XI to take on Villa would give Ferguson a great chance of getting his tenure off to a flying start, especially if they can pick up all three points.

Richarlison’s attacking talents have been praised in the past by former Toffees manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has previously hailed the Brazilian as “outstanding” in February 2020.

In terms of who could make way for the Brazilian if Ferguson decides to start him today, Salomon Rondon has only scored one goal in 13 Premier League appearances and register just one shot at goal in the defeat at Norwich, so perhaps he should be the one to drop out on this occasion.

Looking ahead to today’s game, if Ferguson can secure a win for his beloved Everton, this would surely be a massive boost for the club by moving away from the relegation zone and pulling to within just one point of Gerrard’s men in the table.

In other news: Everton must avoid another manager disaster with “arrogant” 58 y/o, he’d be Rafa 2.0

Tottenham Hotspur are set to ramp up their pursuit of Antonio Rudiger in the coming days, according to an inside source…

What’s the word?

As revealed by Football Insider this week, the north London outfit are in the race to sign the £100k-per-week Germany international after he rejected a new Chelsea contract, meaning he is currently free to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt, it is thought that Spurs have planned discussions behind-the-scenes in an effort to persuade the 28-year-old to swap the Blues for their capital city rivals in 2022.

Lilywhites sporting director Fabio Paratici is said to be pushing hard to get an early agreement in place but they will face a battle to secure him as foreign teams can seal him on a pre-contract agreement as early as January, something that Spurs do not have the luxury of.

Statement signing

This would be quite an outlandish move from Spurs, considering their west London rivals won the Champions League last summer and are quite some way ahead of them on and off the pitch.

However, the fact that Antonio Conte is in charge boosts their chances of landing the 6 foot 3 colossus as the pair worked together when the Italian was at the helm.

45 of his 172 appearances for the Blues came under Conte as they won the 2017/18 FA Cup together, leading to the German describing the 52-year-old as a “very good coach” to reporters.

Rudiger has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers under Thomas Tuchel over the past 12 months, with BT Sport pundit and Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand a big fan.

“Look at Rudiger, he’s arguably, since Tuchel has been there [at Chelsea], been the best defender in the Premier League,” he told his podcast (via the Metro). “Him or [Ruben] Dias in that time. He’s been unbelievable, he’s like an animal.”

Indeed, the German is just one of two players to have played every minute of every Premier League outing for the Blues this term, where he has averaged a second-most 2.2 aerial duels won, 1.1 tackles and an 86.9% passing accuracy when managing over 70 attempts per game, as per WhoScored.

Evidently, Rudiger is an efficient ball-playing defender and one that would instantly improve Spurs’ backline, not just because of his trophy record at Stamford Bridge.

The vastly-experienced defender would be quite the signing to make next year and it would certainly reveal the ambitions of the club under Conte. As such, many around N17 must be absolutely excited by this latest development.

Spurs fans would surely love Rudiger at the club, so this update should provide some huge encouragement heading into January.

AND in other news, Paratici eyes Spurs bargain after “courting” £18m-rated maestro, Conte would love him…