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As per club insider Claret & Hugh, a West Ham United transfer update has come to light involving boss David Moyes, Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard and owners GSB.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye Lingard move…

In what is potentially the worst kept secret of the January transfer window, Moyes has firmly set his sights on Lingard as a top target with multiple reliable sources confirming the club’s interest.

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Both ExWHUemployee and Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard both say that the England international is up there among Moyes’ top transfer agendas for the winter window.

Amid his precarious contract situation, with Lingard’s deal at Old Trafford set to expire at the end of 2021/2022, West Ham could sign him as a free agent in the summer or agree a cheap fee with the Red Devils in January.

The Latest: Insider shares Lingard update…

Sharing some information, insider Claret & Hugh explain that West Ham’s boss is indeed eyeing a Lingard move – going on to say that the Scotsman has personally told owners GSB that he wants to sign the player.

As well as this, the Irons source claims that ‘a move will be attempted’ as a result before the January transfer window shuts its doors.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The Lingard saga has been dragging on since the beginning of the winter window and last summer, yet his numbers suggest that he would be the perfect addition.

Racking up nine goals and four assists in just 16 Premier League starts, being called ‘sensational’ by former Arsenal man Nigel Winterburn, the 29-year-old was electric on loan with the Hammers last season.

His influence going forward would be major boost for Moyes as he aims to keep West Ham in the mix for a Champions League qualifying spot.

However, if this continues to drag on, we believe all efforts should be put towards signing a striker alternative to Michail Antonio.

In other news: Talks ongoing…ExWHUemployee shares promising update out of West Ham, find out more here.

After an impressive run of seven games without defeat, Crystal Palace find themselves in a blip, having lost their last three in the Premier League.

Next up for Patrick Vieira’s side is a home game against Everton, who go into the contest fresh from their first win in ten against Arsenal on Monday night.

The Eagles have scored 19 league goals in 15 games this term, but the goals have appeared to dry out recently, netting just once in their last three outings.

The regular inclusion of Jordan Ayew hasn’t helped, with some Palace fans labelling the Ghanaian a “liability” having not scored yet this season.

It’s time for Vieira to tinker with his frontline and the return of 23-year-old winger Eberechi Eze after a lengthy spell on the sidelines could prove exactly what the South London side needs.

On the Chalkboard

The winger signed from QPR in the summer of 2020 and impressed instantly last season, scoring four goals and registering six assists in 36 top-flight appearances.

However, Eze suffered a “freak” training ground incident in May, suffering serious damage to his Achilles. However, the £18m-rated forward made his return to first-team action last month as he was included on the bench against Burnley and has made cameos against Aston Villa and Manchester United since.

Now fit, the Englishman could offer his manager a much-needed alternative out wide with the Eagles set to play six league games in under three weeks.

Described as “ridiculous” and a “star boy” by sections of the Palace fanbase, Eze can play on the left, but has also been deployed as a “creative, dynamic” number ten which could offer Vieira versatility should the Frenchman opt to set up with an alternative to his much-used 4-3-3.

Supporters aren’t the only ones who have waxed lyrical about the young forward with Steve McLaren hailing his “great talent” and Gary Cahill calling him “phenomenal.”

Furthermore, the 23-year-old is an impressive set-piece taker, scoring a free-kick against Leeds United last season and delivering quality balls for his teammates on occasion. That would supply Vieira with yet more armoury and further reason to select him against Everton on Sunday.

In the past, there have been concerns about the average age of Crystal Palace’s squad, suggesting it’s too old. However, the South Londoners now have a handful of bright, young talents and Eze is certainly one of them; he deserves a chance.

AND in other news, Vieira must seal Palace swoop for “crazy” £10.8m-rated beast likened to “LeBron James”…

Leeds United are making ‘contingency plans’ regarding Marcelo Bielsa’s successor as manager, in case he decides to leave at the end of the season.

The Lowdown: Bielsa’s future unclear

The 66-year-old is arguably experiencing his toughest spell as Whites boss at the moment, with his side languishing towards the bottom of the Premier League.

Not only that, but injuries are affecting the team’s performances badly and there is a niggling feeling that the Argentine could be coming to the end of his time at Elland Road. Bielsa signed a one-year extension last summer but is yet to commit his future beyond that point, with The Athletic’s Phil Hay having a ‘hunch’ that there will be a changing of the guard in 2022.

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The Latest: Journalist makes Bielsa claim

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed that plans are in place to find a potential replacement for the 66-year-old. He outlined:

“We all know he only signs one-year deals at Leeds when he does his contract, so that’s not great for Leeds and planning ahead.

“That’s why maybe Victor Orta’s making contingency plans for the end of the season to maybe bring in a new man.”

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The Verdict: Will he stay on?

Bielsa is a tough man to second-guess, so it is hard to know whether or not he will stay put beyond next summer. It may be that he feels he has taken Leeds as far as he can, in which he might step down and allow somebody else to take the club forward.

That being said, despite the Whites’ current struggles, it would be preferable to see him stay put, given his reputation as one of the most influential managers of his generation.

Granted, his very best days may be behind him, but he remains a revered figure who can hopefully revive Leeds’ season once the spate of injuries subsides and he’s back working with a full-strength squad.

In other news, Leeds have received a potential transfer boost. Read more here.

West Ham United are reportedly monitoring a rather exciting young midfielder ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee on the latest episode of ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast, the Irons hold an interest in Marseille duo Duje Caleta-Car, who is a centre-back, and Boubacar Kamara, a 21-year-old gem.

Perhaps this development should come as no surprise to those around the London Stadium after the club recruited former Les Olympiens scout Georges Santos to Rob Newman’s recruitment team in recent weeks.

Premier League rivals Newcastle United have been heavily linked with the young France U21 international since the summer transfer window.

Dream Noble successor

With club captain Mark Noble hanging up his boots in the summer, it could be wise to search for further midfield reinforcements, sooner rather than later.

The Hammers did sign Alex Kral on loan during the summer but he’s to make any sort of mark, having been restricted to just two appearances all season.

Kamara is one of Europe’s most exciting versatile future talents. He is capable of playing in defence, both in the middle and on either flank, but it is in midfield where he appears to be the very best fit at 5 foot 10.

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He has earned glowing reviews on his ability and potential already at such a young age, including one from ex-Marseille teammate Rolando.

“This kid is a phenomenon,” he claimed. “When he started training with us, he was 15 years old. And from day one, I said, no, but this little one is going to be a great player.

“He’s the kind of central defender I like. He is full of qualities and, above all, he works, he listens. It is out of the ordinary.”

Since making his debut in France, Kamara has averaged 2.3 tackles, 1.8 headers won and 1.3 interceptions per game, via WhoScored, who also list his strengths as being his aerial and passing ability, as well as his tackling and blocking.

That sort of defensive resilience and intelligence bears some hallmarks to Noble and suggests that he could be a great option sitting a little deeper alongside Declan Rice, who we have seen get forward a lot more this campaign.

Kamara also has experience in Europe, playing 19 times across the Champions and Europa League, so he would fit in well with the ambition of the club and having fellow countrymen Kurt Zouma, Alphonse Areola – who has swapped Ligue 1 for England too – and Issa Diop would surely help an easy transition.

Also lauded as a “jewel” by scout Jacek Kulig, the £25.2m-rated beast could be an exciting and long-term signing in east London.

AND in other news, Huge update emerges on Rice’s future at West Ham…

Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to tie down Hugo Lloris to a new contract in the coming weeks.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report by Charlie Eccleshare for The Athletic, in which the journalist revealed that, despite being tempted by a move to AS Roma this summer, the goalkeeper is now keen to extend his stay in north London.

Eccleshare added that Antonio Conte is also eager to tie down the France international to a new deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the 34-year-old’s current contract set to expire at the end of the season. That means the shot-stopper can discuss terms with foreign clubs regarding a free transfer from January 1.

However, the journalist then claimed that there is a quiet confidence at Spurs that they will be able to reach an agreement with Lloris, with negotiations regarding a fresh deal expected to intensify in the coming weeks.

Paratici must avoid disaster

Considering just how important Lloris has proven to be for Spurs this season, not to mention over the past nine Premier League campaigns, it would undoubtedly be something of a disaster for Fabio Paratici to allow the 34-year-old to depart north London on a free transfer next summer.

Indeed, over his 14 Premier League appearances this term, the £8.1m-rated shot-stopper has kept six clean sheets, as well as making 2.9 saves per game. These returns have seen the Frenchman averaging an impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.05, ranking him as Spurs’ sixth-best performer in the top flight.

Conte is also a huge fan of the £100k-per-week 34-year-old, stating after Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Brentford last week: “I just arrived. I’ve only been here a month. At the moment, of course, we have several situations to resolve. Hugo Lloris is the captain of this team. He is the captain of the France team too. We’re talking about a world-class goalie.

“We will have time to talk about him. I consider him an important player for Tottenham, for his experience and because he is first and foremost a good goalkeeper. He has played for many years with Tottenham and he is still invested in this club.”

As such, with Lloris very much appearing to be an important part of Conte’s first-team plans at Spurs, Paratici simply must do all he can to ensure that the 34-year-old does indeed put pen to paper on a new deal with the club in the coming weeks, or else the shot-stopper may be tempted by an intriguing offer come January 1.

In other news: Conte could save Spurs millions by unleashing “quality” 18 y/o gem who has “great feet”

Leeds United winger Jack Harrison’s inconsistent form has been affected by a recent rib injury, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Harrison struggling for form

While deprived of several important players through injury, the Whites still couldn’t get their second Premier League win of the season on Saturday but their 1-1 draw at home to Wolves felt like a positive following Rodrigo’s last-gasp penalty.

Harrison struggled to make an impact at Elland Road, though, and he has now played seven league games this season and not registered a goal or an assist.

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The Latest: Hay reveals injury news

While the winger’s form has been disappointing compared to last season, when he got eight top-flight goals and assists apiece, there could be a good reason for the drop-off.

According to The Athletic’s Hay, the 24-year-old has been playing with a rib injury which has affected his performance level. The journalist stated: “Harrison has had a rib injury recently. Very little been made of it and I don’t know how much of a factor it is but he is struggling for form.”

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The Verdict: Pressure to perform

Harrison now finds himself under more pressure than ever to keep his place, with Raphinha and Dan James also representing strong wide options.

Last season, he and Raphinha were the undisputed go-to starters in those positions, but the Welshman’s arrival from Manchester United has increased the competition significantly.

All three actually played against Wolves, but Marcelo Bielsa may not always be that bold and Harrison will need to improve if he wants to keep starting regularly. Hopefully he overcomes his current injury and produces his best form again in the near future. Leeds could certainly do with it right now.

In other news, one Leeds player has given a key update on his injury progress. Read more here.

Newcastle United have been dealt a blow regarding the fitness of Paul Dummett ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by Sussex Live, Graeme Jones revealed that the Wales international will not be available for selection for the Magpies’ trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday evening, as the left-back has not yet recovered from a calf problem which has kept him sidelined for the entirety of the club’s 2021/22 campaign thus fur.

However, a further report by BBC Sport claimed that the 30-year-old could be in line for a return in the near future, with post-international break appearing to be a realistic timeframe for the defender to return to first team action.

Speaking about the current condition of the Newcastle squad, Jones said: “We’ve managed to get everybody fit apart from Paul Dummett. He’s the only injury at the minute.”

Jones will be gutted

While it is true that Dummett has not featured at all for Newcastle so far this season, the left-back’s continued absence will nevertheless come as a big blow for Jones, as neither Matt Ritchie nor Jamal Lewis – the club’s other two options in that position – have greatly impressed on the left-hand side of the Magpies’ defence this term.

Indeed, over Ritchie’s 10 Premier League appearances in the current campaign, the £2.7m-rated Scot has failed to help his team to keep a single clean sheet, while making just 0.5 interceptions, 1.7 tackles and two clearances and winning 3.4 duels per game. These returns have seen the 32-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.75.

Meanwhile, while Lewis has made just one top-flight appearance this season, the £10.8m-rated defender received a rather disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.2 for his efforts in the 4-1 defeat to Manchester United, albeit after only spending nine minutes on the pitch.

As such, it would certainly appear as if the return of Dummett – whose average SofaScore rating of 6.76 last season surpassed those of Ritchie and Lewis so far this term – cannot come soon enough for Newcastle, who will once again have to make do without the Wales international in what is sure to be a challenging fixture against the high-flying Seagulls this evening.

In other news – “Started negotiations”: Guillem Balague drops major NUFC transfer claim which will delight fans

Everton have been linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey as manager Rafael Benitez looks to bolster his engine room options at Goodison Park.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Toffees are interested in securing the 30-year-old’s services in the January window, with fellow Premier League club West Ham United also listed as potential suitors.

The report claimed that both Everton and the Hammers are weighing up a move for Ramsey as the Serie A giants are eager to offload his sizeable wages as soon as possible.

Ramsey’s current contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2023, but rumours suggest the Italian giants are eager to get the former Arsenal man off their books much sooner due to his lack of output on the pitch.

Marcel Brands must sanction Everton swoop

Everton’s director of football Marcel Brands must sanction a swoop for the £12.6m-rated Ramsey over the winter window, adding some class and technical ability to Benitez’s industrial midfield.

The Wales international has bags of Premier League experience under his belt from his time at Arsenal, where he continually impressed throughout his seven-year stay. Ramsey scored 65 goals and laid on a further 65 assists in 371 appearances for the Gunners, winning three FA Cups along the way and earning praise from several impressed onlookers, including Martin Keown.

“He continues to mature as a player and develop. He’s a real leader now in this Arsenal team,” the Gunners legend claimed back in 2019.

“Playing in a deeper role, as he did under Arsene Wenger – I think that’s the best role for him. If you want Ozil and him in the same team. He’s so important to everything Arsenal do. It’s the energy – the box-to-box energy. He’s become an outstanding technician.”

However, following a contract dispute, Ramsey departed the north London outfit on a free transfer ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, joining Juventus in a search for silverware.

Although he has claimed a Scudetto and a Coppa Italia during his time in Turin, the creative talent has only started 25 league games to date for the Bianconeri, highlighting his peripheral role within the first team squad.

Therefore, a move back to English shores appears likely over the coming months, and Everton’s hierarchy must make Goodison Park Ramsey’s next destination, aiding their push for a top six finish.

In other news… Everton could find their new Marouane Fellaini by signing “exciting” 6 foot 4 weapon 

After falling to a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea before the international break, Southampton are back in Premier League action this weekend with a clash against Leeds United at St Mary’s to try and secure their first top-flight win of the campaign.

In his latest press conference ahead of the match against the Yorkshire club, Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed that Southampton will be without Che Adams and Jack Stephens through injury, while James Ward-Prowse is ruled out after he picked up a red card and a three-game ban from the game against Chelsea.

Bednarek deserves to start

Jan Bednarek also featured against the Blues and will be available for the match against Leeds, and we feel he should definitely be in the starting XI today.

Southampton signed the Poland international, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £20k-per-week according to Spotrac, back in the summer of 2017 from Polish club Lech Poznan.

Since then, the 25-year-old, who is currently valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, has made a total of 122 appearances for the Saints across all competitions, chipping in with three goals and four assists along the way.

So far this season, he has played in four of Southampton’s seven Premier League games, completing 90 minutes in each of their three previous league outings.

Looking at the Chelsea game in particular, despite conceding three goals, Bednarek still made four clearances, three tackles and three interceptions, won three ground duels and racked up a passing accuracy percentage of 83% according to SofaScore, which shows that he is capable of being an active defensive unit for the team.

Additionally, the fact that Bednarek has racked up more interceptions (two) and clearances per game (3.8) than any other Southampton player in the league so far this season says to us just how useful he has been at the back, and that explains why he should be in the starting XI to face Leeds as a potential game-changer if he can help the Saints to keep a clean sheet this afternoon. That could certainly be the case if the in-form Raphinha does return in time to feature for the visitors today.

Whether or not Hasenhuttl decides to go with the 25-year-old in his starting XI against the Whites, we feel that this is a must-win game for Southampton not only because of their poor start to the season but also with Leeds winning just one of their league games so far this season whilst conceding 14 goals in the process, making this a very winnable game for the Saints in our view.

In other news: Saints could repeat their Livramento masterclass by signing “fantastic” 19 y/o talent

With West Ham in Europe this season, we could see plenty of fringe and youth talent get an opportunity at the London Stadium, particularly in competitions like the Carabao Cup which gets underway next week.

And since David Moyes has returned to the club for a second stint, he has put his faith in several of the club’s promising youngsters – perhaps a sign of a new approach this time around.

For example, back in January, the 58-year-old boss handed first-team debuts to several academy starlets, including Jamal Baptiste, in their FA Cup fourth-round victory over Doncaster Rovers.

That day made it eight graduates to have been given a senior bow by the Scotsman since he was appointed for a second time.

Baptiste is a player that many in east London are eager to see more of – he impressed during pre-season, has been capped at youth level for England and can play right across the backline, making him a very interesting option for the long term.

‘Tall, strong and comfortable in possession’ is how the club’s official website describes the 17-year-old sensation, whilst he cites both Virgil van Dijk and West Ham’s former defender and his academy mentor Matthew Upson as players he bases his game on.

This summer, Baptiste scored the opening goal of the Hammers’ pre-season with a nicely-timed side-footed volley against Dundee and whilst it’s not a competitive encounter, it is certainly a promising sign that being around the first-team does not phase him one bit.

Back in November, the emerging teen sensation signed his first professional contract with his boyhood club and football.london’s Sam Inkersole went onto describe him as “very highly-rated.”

Meanwhile, the Hammers’ former academy director Terry Westley told Claret & Hugh that Baptiste is “one of the finest young prospects at the club without a doubt.”

He then added: “Believe me [he] is going to be a monster player in the Issa Diop mould. I see him as exactly that – the new Issa Diop. He’s got everything, height, power, pace and is already, at such a young age, making a serious impact on the under 23s.”

If Baptiste is looking up to the former Irons star, then Moyes could well unearth their next Upson in the 17-year-old gem. As there are plenty of fixtures on the horizon, the West Ham boss must look to hand valuable minutes to players like Baptiste.

AND in other news, “I have been told”: Journalist drops major West Ham claim, fans will surely be buzzing…