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West Ham United are set to explore the possibility of signing Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall as manager David Moyes looks to strengthen his options at the back.

What’s the story?

According to club insider ExWHUemployee (as relayed by HammersNews), the east London outfit have identified the 24-year-old as a possible solution to their injury crisis at the heart of defence.

Speaking on the latest episode of The West Ham Way podcast, he said: “Joe Worrall of Nottingham Forest, a centre-back, he could be someone who we explore with the injury situation at the moment.”

West Ham fans will surely be buzzing

With first-choice centre-back Angelo Ogbonna ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with an ACL injury and Kurt Zouma also set for an extended spell on the sidelines, the January transfer window could prove pivotal for the Hammers.

Moyes’ charges are currently pushing for a Champions League qualification spot, have advanced to the knockout stages of the Europa League and are in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Therefore, further reinforcements will be needed over the winter if West Ham are to continue fighting on multiple fronts, meaning the club’s supporters will be buzzing to learn of the hierarchy’s interest in Worrall.

After rising through the ranks of his boyhood club, the Forest ace departed his hometown on multiple loan deals in order to experience regular first-team football, including a 12-month stint with Rangers throughout 2018/19.

The powerful defender made 32 appearances for the Scottish giants as they finished in second place in the top-flight table, and his eye-catching performances earned the praise of several impressed onlookers.

Following Worrall’s only goal for the Gers against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup, his former manager Steven Gerrard showered the 6 foot 4 monster with praise.

“I thought Joe Worrall was outstanding. What a big goal to keep his team in the cup,” he told The Scottish Sun (via Nottinghamshire Live). “It was a Man of the Match performance, and he will be a captain of whatever team he plays for. He is a leader, and he stepped up today.”

And the ex-England Under-21 international has gone from strength to strength ever since.

As per Whoscored, Worrall has averaged 2.5 interceptions throughout his 17 Championship outings this season, a whopping 3.6 clearances and 1.1 blocks, placing him in the top two for each metric when compared to his teammates.

Despite the youngster having no Premier League experience, he could prove to be an extremely astute piece of business from West Ham, who have already plucked Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma from the second tier with great success.

And, in other news…Newman could seal dream West Ham deal with “outstanding” £21m “superstar”

Ben Jacobs has now dropped some Newcastle United transfer news involving Ousmane Dembele.

The Lowdown: Contract stalemate

There is still a stalemate between Dembele and FC Barcelona over a new deal, with manager Xavi recently claiming that he needs to renew his deal or look to leave in the January transfer window.

The winger is out of contract in the summer, and has recently released a statement claiming that talks are ‘ongoing’ over a potential new deal, should demands be met.

Nonetheless, with the days ticking by and Barca more likely to want to sell so long as the new contract is not signed, it may present an opportunity for the St. James’ Park faithful to pounce.

The Latest: Dembele offer?

As per CBS Sports journalist Jacobs, the North East club have not put forward an official offer for Dembele as of yet, but they have been ‘considering’ signing him since November:

“I am told neither Newcastle or Manchester United have tabled an official offer yet.

“Xavi wants an answer on Dembele’s renewal (which would force him to take a wage cut) this week to allow time for a possible January transfer.”

The Verdict: Potential bargain

If the Magpies can persuade Dembele to come to Tyneside, then it could turn out to be a potential bargain, thanks to his contract situation.

He should be available for a cut price with just six months left, or they could even sign him up on a pre-contract agreement for free, although the latter would be risky given uncertainty over their Premier League status at the end of the season.

Described as ‘unplayable’ at times by Rio Ferdinand, the Frenchman will want to prove why Barca spent so much money to get him from Borussia Dortmund back in 2017, and it’s fair to say the Toon Army have an appreciation for skilful French wingers.

It is hard to forget that he is still only 24 years of age, having had so much promise so young, as former teammate Lionel Messi even went as far as to call his ability ‘frightening’ back when he was at the Nou Camp.

Nonetheless, Dembele has a point to prove, and Eddie Howe’s team could reap the benefits from it.

In other news, find out the latest on NUFC’s move for this Premier League ‘diamond’ here!

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele this summer, seeing him as an ideal replacement for Sadio Mane.

Jurgen Klopp is expected to be on the lookout for new signings, following a tough season that has seen a number of individuals struggle.

Mane is right near the top of that list, with the 29-year-old a shadow of the player who arguably stood out as Liverpool’s star performer last time around.

The Senegalese has only scored 12 goals in the whole of 2020/21, in all competitions, with just one coming in the Premier League this calendar year.

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Liverpool eye Dembele as Mane replacement

According to Fichajes, Liverpool see Dembele as a strong alternative to Mane, with the £212,000-a-week forward once valued at £108million by Transfermarkt in 2019, and now all the way down at £45m.

The Frenchman’s current Barcelona deal expires at the end of next season, meaning the La Liga could be keen to cash in on him this summer, and the Reds have been linked with him on several occasions in the past.

Transfer Tavern take

Dembele is clearly a hugely talented player, but there are still question marks over his consistency and attitude, having only scored 29 goals for Barca since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.

He has been in trouble with Barcelona for showing up late to training as well as a reported ‘gaming addiction’.

On top of that, it would be reckless to write Mane off at this stage in his career, considering he is still only 29 and could simply be going through a rough patch.

The hope is that a break at the end of the campaign will allow Liverpool’s No.10 to recharge both physically and mentally, and we feel it would be foolish to replace a player who has had one sub-par season with a player who has had several.

In other news, a number of Liverpool fans want one Reds forward to leave this summer. Find out who it is here.

Despite the spirit shown by Everton in the Merseyside derby, they still ran out 2-0 losers away to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Andy Robertson and Divock Origi came up with the goals which eventually broke the Toffees’ resistance in the second half, and The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for Everton on the day:

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Michael Keane (6.6)

Admittedly tied with both Demarai Gray and Anthony Gordon here in terms of rating (6.6), Keane ranks in third here given that the former did not complete the full 90 minutes and the latter showed some promise going forward.

Keane made just one tackle and failed to block any shots on the Everton goal, while his 31 touches were fewer than any outfield Liverpool starter managed. He was also guilty of giving the ball away 12 times, the fifth-most out of his teammates.

Jordan Pickford (6.4)

After conceding two goals, goalkeeper Pickford was given a 6.4 overall rating.

The England international gave away possession cheaply on no fewer than 15 separate occasions from his 26 touches, and he only made two saves in total.

Mason Holgate (6.3)

With a 6.3 rating given, Holgate ranked as the Toffees’ worst player on the day.

The defender lost out on two of his duels and failed to record any interceptions or tackles, also losing possession six times from his mere 16 touches of the ball.

In other news, find out which top-flight club are now eyeing this Blues defender

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer revealed Chris Wilder had a long-term plan, which took relegation into consideration, for Sheffield United prior to his exit.

Wilder’s departure from Bramall Lane after a successful five years at the club was confirmed last week, with the Blades currently sitting bottom of the Premier League.

Disagreements with the board are said to be one reason behind the mutual decision for the 53-year-old to leave in a development that has left a sour taste in the mouth of Palmer.

Palmer, who enjoyed a bright career at Sheffield United’s rivals Sheffield Wednesday, is sad to see Wilder go and revealed to FFC that the former Blades defender had a plan to have the Yorkshire club flying again.

“I think it just got to a breaking point with Chris with the board, that they were trying to dictate,” Palmer said.

“It’s strange because it was only [after 2019] Christmas they gave him a new four-year contract. So, yeah, it’s sad to see Chris go from Sheffield United. I know that Chris had a plan.

“When I spoke to him in pre-season, he already had a plan in place with the players that he brought in, the young players, that if they went down, they would do exactly what Norwich are doing this season and bounce back because they’re not in a position where they’ve got to sell players. So it’s sad to see, it’s sad for Chris because I know how much he loves the club.”

Paul Heckingbottom has since taken over in the Bramall Lane dugout following Wilder’s exit, getting off to a very disappointing start in charge.

Under the former Leeds United and Barnsley manager, Sheffield United were beaten heavily by a Leicester City side who are looking to clinch Champions League qualification. A hat-trick from Kelechi Iheanacho, own goal by Ethan Ampadu and 64th-minute Ayoze Perez strike condemned the Blades to a 5-0 defeat at the King Power.

A number of Liverpool supporters are hugely excited after an update was provided on the Reds’ quest to sign Florian Neuhaus this summer.

Jurgen Klopp will be on the lookout for new signings in the coming weeks, as he aims to perfect his squad heading into next season.

Liverpool no longer have the reliable Gini Wijnaldum to call upon, so it may be that a replacement comes in during the summer transfer window.

One player who has has been linked with the Reds in the past is Borussia Monchengladbach star Neuhaus, who is currently on Euro 2020 duty with Germany.

A fresh update has now been provided, with journalist Florian Plettenburg taking to Twitter to claim that Klopp ‘wants’ to sign the 24-year-old, with talks taking place in recent days.

David Lynch has also backed the reports of Klopp’s interest in the player.

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Liverpool fans react to Neuhaus update

The news has been met with great positivity by a number of Liverpool fans, who gave their thoughts on Twitter, with one hailing Neuhaus as a ‘very good player’.

“Get it done already @LFC”

Credit: @Smartooski

“Now, this is more like it. Get it done Redmen @LFC”

Credit: @TopicFt

“Interesting. Very good player. More realistic signing than Youri Tielemans”

Credit: @LFC_Wahome

“Please please PLEASE!!”

Credit: @NaathanByrne

“Top player”

Credit: @mikesm24

“Watched this guy, has serious engine”

Credit: @markopolo94

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been left fuming at a tweet by the club – read more here.

Speaking to Football Insider, in reaction to news that West Ham United are now eyeing Burnley defender James Tarkowski, Kevin Campbell has dropped a rather positive verdict.

The Lowdown: Irons want new centre-half…

As explained by club insider Claret & Hugh, West Ham United are on the hunt for a capable defender who can reinforce their backline as manager David Moyes sets out three transfer priorities for this summer.

Indeed, it is reported that he wants a new centre-back as well as a world class centre-forward – with a permanent deal for 2020/2021 loan sensation Jesse Lingard also on the agenda (C&H).

Football Insider revealed recently that West Ham have registered their interest in signing Tarkowski this summer and it is believed that he is ‘very keen’ to join the club.

The Latest: Campbell drops excited reaction…

Speaking to Football Insider, in reaction to the development, Premier League pundit Campbell has dropped an excited reaction and believes it is on the cards.

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“I think that one is probably set in stone,” he explained.

“Moyes will strengthen that West Ham backline. He knows if he wants to stay up in those European spaces that he needs to get his defence right.

“I think it was the defence which let them down towards the end of last season because in a number of games they were free-scoring. They look fantastic in attack but they conceded silly goals in big moments. The Arsenal game is a prime example.

“Tarkowski would be a great signing and I think the time has come for him to leave Burnley. He would be a stabilising force back there for West Ham.”

The Verdict: Time is now?

West Ham arguably do need a new defender, especially with Fabian Balbuena set to depart the club on June 30, and Tarkowski could finally be attainable this summer.

Burnley rejected numerous bids from the Irons last year for him but a complicated situation in Lancashire may present West Ham with an opportunity.

The 28-year-old’s desire to leave Turf Moor this summer and the fact Tarkowski only has one year remaining on his current deal could now open the door for West Ham to make a move.

The Clarets could arguably be forced to sell at a cut price given his contract situation and West Ham should certainly pounce if that becomes the case.

Of course, in terms of price, they will also need to be cunning in a difficult market with other targets in mind.

In other news: West Ham now frontrunners to sign ‘top class’ £115,000-per-week ace for Moyes, find out more here.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Birmingham City manager Barry Fry has backed Lee Bowyer to steer his old side to Championship safety.

Bowyer was installed into the St. Andrew’s dugout earlier this month following the departure of Aitor Karanka and has managed to make a decent start to life in his new role.

While 21st-placed Birmingham lost last time out, a 3-0 defeat to Watford, they were able to win their first game under Bowyer after overcoming the challenge of Reading.

It is a promising sign, and Fry is expecting more of the same going forward as he tipped the former Charlton Athletic manager to complete the task he has been handed.

Discussing Bowyer’s appointment in an exclusive interview with FFC, Peterborough’s director of football said:

“Lee is the ideal man to go into Birmingham City because he’s very positive, he’s very committed, he’s very passionate, he’s very knowledgable, he’s honest and he gets the best out of the players. And when you look at the Birmingham squad, it’s a good squad, but each and every one of them are underachieving.”

On the same topic, Fry later added:

“I back Lee, the Bluenoses will back Lee and I think he’ll do enough. Although he’s got a difficult task, he’ll do enough to keep the Blues in the Championship.”

Bowyer and his side will next be in action when they welcome Swansea City to St. Andrew’s after the international break. The Swans, currently sitting in third in the Championship table, have been flying high this season, so it could be another tricky fixture for Birmingham.

According to a report by FCInternews.it, alleged Tottenham managerial target Antonio Conte could be forced to quit Inter Milan amid financial uncertainty.

The Lowdown: Conte targeted by Tottenham

Various reports from Italy have detailed Tottenham’s recent interest in Conte, with Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) emphatically claiming that the Lilywhites and Conte held ‘fruitful’ and ‘interesting’ talks.

Calciomercato24.it also stated that Tottenham were willing to offer him a big money contract to secure his appointment, but these claims haven’t yet been backed by sources closer to home.

Indeed, correspondent Alasdair Gold believes he isn’t on the radar, with media reports concerning Conte and Spurs consistently differing from each other.

The Latest: Conte could leave Inter…

Whether or not Tottenham truly are targeting Conte remains to be seen, but Spurs may be boosted in a possible pursuit of Conte judging by this update from FCInternews.

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The Italian news outlet says Conte may be reluctantly forced to quit the Serie A giants amid growing financial uncertainty – with club chairman Steven Zhang even requesting pay cuts for the playing squad, managerial staff and general club employees.

These deductions in pay are also thought to be permanent rather than temporary, and Conte’s future has been thrown into  disrepute as a result.

The Verdict: Boost for Tottenham?

Theoretically, Spurs could be boosted in any pursuit of Conte judging by this update, but reliable sources like football.london correspondent Gold indicate the 51-year-old just isn’t on the Lilywhites radar.

Contradicting reports from Italy suggest otherwise, but we believe a swoop for the Italian could be just that little bit too difficult to pull off financially regardless of his San Siro situation or the credibility of his links to Tottenham.

On a reported €20m per year (£17.1m) salary, it’s little wonder Zhang is allegedly considering a pay cut despite their recent Serie A triumph.

In other news: Tottenham source shares behind the scenes managerial development, find out more here.

Queens Park Rangers look set to seal the arrival of Andre Gray at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Tuesday.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Watford Observer, who claim that, after it was reported that QPR had agreed to take the Watford centre-forward on a season-long loan, the 30-year-old has now passed his medical with Mark Warburton’s side, with his official arrival in west London set to be announced imminently.

The report added that, with just one year remaining on his current contract at Vicarage Road, it appears as if the striker’s move to QPR has brought an end to his time at the Premier League outfit.

Bhatia masterclass

Amit Bhatia has overseen a remarkable summer transfer window at QPR, with the chairman sanctioning the permanent signings of players such as Andre Dozzell, Stefan Johansen, Charlie Austin, Jordy de Wijs and Jimmy Dunne. Having also brought highly-rated Norwich City left-back Sam McCallum to the club on a season-long loan deal, the further addition of Gray would seem to be the cherry on the cake for Rs.

Indeed, while the £3.6m-rated striker failed to ever really cement a starting spot for the Hornets after his then club-record £18.5m move from Burnley back in 2017, the 30-year-old nevertheless impressed in spells during his time at Vicarage Road. He scored five goals and provided three assists over his 31 Premier League appearances back in 2017/18, as well as bagging seven goals and registering two assists over 29 top-flight fixtures in the following campaign.

However, the £70k-per-week forward’s previous form in the Championship is what will have interested QPR most, with the Rs undoubtedly hoping the man who Xisco Munoz dubbed a “brilliant” player can replicate his returns for Burnley back in 2015/16, when the Jamaica international scored a whopping 23 goals and provided eight assists over his 41 league appearances.

If he can, then Gray’s signing could well prove to be something of a masterclass by Bhatia, as it would seem that the striker boasts the ability to be the difference between promotion and yet another season in the Championship for QPR come next May.

In other news: Warburton drops hint on “unbelievable” £2.25m-rated machine, QPR fans will be buzzing