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ExWHUemployee has dropped an update on a West Ham United target that could delight David Moyes.

What’s the news?

Ex has dropped an update on West Ham target Matheus Nunes, writing on his Patreon that the “club are expected to follow up” on their talks with the Sporting Lisbon midfielder.

Portuguese newspaper Record claimed that West Ham made a bid of around £29.5m for the player, although he has a release clause of £51m.

With former target Amadou Onana joining Everton, it’s clear Moyes is still in the market for a quality midfielder.

Moyes aims to bolster his midfield options

With West Ham losing to Manchester City last weekend in their first Premier League match of the season, improvement will be required against tomorrow’s foes Nottingham Forest.

Moyes is currently operating with a paper-thin squad, hence the need for further reinforcements and Nunes could add some much-needed quality to their engine room.

Pep Guardiola referred to the Portuguese player as “one of the best players in the world” proving just how good he really is and a move to England would allow him to continue his development by playing at a higher level.

Nunes can offer both attacking and defensive qualities to the West Ham side. He ranks in the top 1% for assists and dribbles completed compared to positional peers in the top five leagues (0.35 per 90 and 3.19 per 90 respectively) over the last 365 days, showing that pushing forward and contributing to the attack is a key strength.

Defensively, Nunes won possession 0.6 times, won 55% of his total duels and was only dribbled past 0.7 times per game over his 33 Liga Portugal fixtures last season. These stats are better than Thomas Soucek’s, who won possession only 0.4 times, won 49% of his total duels and was dribbled past 1.1 times per match over his 35 outings in the Premier League last term.

Moyes will have to splash the cash to secure a move for Nunes, but these stats prove that not only will he slot straight into the first team, but he is also a better option than what the Scot currently has available to him at the minute – not to mention the fact that Guardiola believes the midfielder is one of the best in the world at present.

Manchester United are set to press on with their interest in Ajax winger, Antony, despite having been rebuffed by the Eredivisie outfit thus far.

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, United are readying an “improved offer” for the 22-year-old, having already seen an €80m (£68m) bid rejected for the Brazil international last week.

Writing on Twitter about that potential fresh approach, the transfer insider revealed: “Manchester United likely to go back in with improved offer for Antony – either increase in fee or different structure. Antony wants move – told he “wasn’t mentally ready to play” today. United still interested in Gakpo & Pulisic if Antony is not possible.”

That aligns with a report from The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell who suggested that the Red Devils are contemplating a ‘fresh bid’ for the nine-cap gem, who was left out of his side’s win over Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday.

The suggestion in that piece is that the former Sao Paulo man – who still has three years left on his current deal at the Johan Cruyff Arena – could cost in the region of €100m (£85m).

New Van Nistelrooy

As has become the norm in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at Old Trafford, the club are yet again left scrambling late in the window to try and get deals over the line, with the dismal start to the campaign under new boss Erik ten Hag having only exacerbated the need for further additions.

In the case of young Antony, however, it would appear that this desperate late attempt could well be worth it, with the £19k-per-week sensation having dazzled for the Amsterdam outfit of late.

The £31.5m-rated forward – who can feature all across the front line – has scored 24 goals and provided 22 assists in just 82 games for his current side to date, notably laying on 12 goal contributions in the league last season as Ten Hag’s side claimed the title.

The “wonderful” talent – as described by Dutch scout Piet de Visser – has also begun the new campaign in fine fashion, having scored twice and laid on two assists in just three games thus far for Alfred Schreuder’s side.

A hugely skilful and dynamic forward player, the 5 foot 9 speedster would provide quality depth to a squad that currently has a real shortage of senior options in the forward line, with that fact only set to be exposed even further should wantaway icon Cristiano Ronaldo move on before deadline day.

The hope will be that Antony can make a similar impact to that of another man who traded life in Holland for the Premier League in Ruud van Nistelrooy, with the current PSV Eindhoven boss having made an instant transition to life in an arguably tougher league.

After having to wait 12 months to seal his move due to concerns regarding his medical, the prolific marksman swiftly made up for lost time upon his delayed arrival at the Theatre of Dreams in 2001, notably netting twice on debut at home to Fulham.

That brace set the tone for what would be a stunning spell at the club for the ruthless Dutchman, as he went on to score 150 goals in just 219 games in all competitions under the legendary Ferguson, before his departure for Real Madrid in 2006.

While famed for his knack of netting inside the penalty area, the 70-cap gem was simply much more than just a tap-in merchant, as evidenced by his stunning solo goal against the Cottagers during the 2002/03 season, as he weaved his way past a sea of defenders before producing a typically lethal finish.

Antony, too, possesses that knack for bamboozling the opposition and driving his side forward from deep, as he notably ranks in the top 2% for progressive carries among those in his position across European competition.

At a time when United are currently on their knees, the Brazilian could well be the man to provide that much-needed lift to reverse their fortunes. While his adaptation to a new league and a new country may be a concern, as the case of Van Nistelrooy proves, quality players can seemingly shine anywhere.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Christian Pulisic in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has revealed that the Magpies are discussing a swoop to sign the USA international on loan from Chelsea.

He is one of a number of players the club are looking at as a potential signing with the window slamming shut next Thursday.

Edwards said: “#nufc still pushing for signings. Pedro & Harrison remain in play. Pulisic & Gallagher loans being discussed. Conversations held over last few days about Paqueta but no bid. Alvarez at Ajax of interest. But gap in valuations remain too big to get any deals done at this stage.”

Eddie Howe’s wizard

Journalist Nicholas Mendola dubbed him a “wizard” in the past and he could weave his magic on Howe’s team this season if he signs.

The 23-year-old has the potential to be an excellent signing for the club, if they can land him on loan, as he has the ability to make things happen in front of goal.

His statistics for Chelsea suggest that the quality is there for him to make a big impact in the final third, which cannot be said for some of Newcastle’s current attackers.

Miguel Almiron’s goal against Manchester City was only his second since the start of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign and Ryan Fraser has also scored twice in that time – registering three assists between them.

Last season, Pulisic made 22 appearances in the top-flight and chipped in with six goals and two assists, whilst scoring twice and assisting one in seven Champions League outings.

The £150k-per-week talent, who Ian Darke claimed is often “electric” when fit, caught the eye in his debut campaign for the Blues. In the 2019/20 season, the American plundered nine goals and four assists in 25 league matches, along with one goal and three assists in five European outings.

These statistics show that he is a proven Premier League performer and could, therefore, hit the ground running for the Magpies. He would not need a period of adaptation as he has spent just over three seasons in England and could make an instant impact on the team by offering more than Almiron and Fraser in the way of end product.

Former Premier League goalkeeper and USA international, Brad Friedel, once claimed that Pulisic would thrive in Liverpool’s system due to their pressing and the winger’s pace and willingness to run between lines.

This suggests that he would be perfect for the pressing style of play Howe wants to deploy, which is precisely why the Chelsea attacker would be a magical addition for the head coach, both in terms of what he offers on and off the ball. He suits what the team is trying to do and his quality at the top end of the pitch can help him to shine on Tyneside.

Therefore, he could be the manager’s very own wizard on the flanks, pressing teams and then breaking with pace to use his magic touch in the final third to score and create goals.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their attempts to bolster their squad in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, the Light Blues are exploring a potential swoop for the England international.

The report claims that the allure of Champions League football could mean that the club have a real shot of getting a deal over the line in the coming days.

It was stated that Chelsea may look to pay off the rest of his contract in order to allow him to find a new team on a free transfer, which has since proven to be true as has left the Blues by mutual consent on Monday afternoon.

Imagine him & Antonio Colak

Firstly, this may not be an Aaron Ramsey 2.0 where he rarely features after joining. He has only missed 11 matches in all competitions due to injury since the start of the 2020/21 campaign, which suggests that his fitness and durability should not be a cause for concern.

Whereas, Ramsey had missed 26 games in the 18 months prior to arriving in Glasgow and then suffered with injuries during his time in Scotland.

The ex-Chelsea midfielder, who Gregg Evans claimed has “magic” in his feet, could come in and make an instant impact by linking up with the red-hot Antonio Colak at Ibrox.

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer heaped praise on the attacking midfielder during the 2021/22 campaign, saying: “Ross seems to have found a system that suits him and a manager who wants to play him. This is exactly what he needs.

“He now needs to find the consistency that has been lacking in his game because this is a crucial stage of his career. Ross has been spoken about in glowing terms since he was very young but he is 27 now and needs to deliver on that potential.

“At his best he is a match-winner and Villa is a great platform for him.”

Former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard previously hailed his attitude as “first class” and said that he can play a “complete” role, with these comments highlighting how highly he is rated in England.

The former England international, who has racked up 53 goals and 44 assists throughout his club career, created 2.39 chances per 90 minutes for Villa in the Premier League in 2020/21. He then managed 4.5 per 90 in 2021/22 for Chelsea in 180 minutes of action in the top flight.

Ryan Kent is the only player (3.0) with more than 2.4 key passes per game in the Premiership and Barkley could come in as another player capable of regularly creating openings in the final third.

Colak could benefit from this as the starting number nine as he is the player who could be on the end of the chances that the Englishman provides.

The 28-year-old has scored an eye-catching seven goals in nine outings for Rangers to date, missing just one ‘big chance’ in the Premiership, and this suggests that he has the quality to thrive off quality service into the box.

Now, imagine Barkley threading through balls and whipping crosses in for the Croatian forward to punish teams this season. It’s should be a sumptuous thought for everyone at Rangers.

West Ham United are ‘definitely still interested’ in Chelsea duo Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja, according to journalist Paul Brown. 

The lowdown: West Ham linked with Chelsea duo

The Hammers have been extensively linked with both Gallagher and Broja throughout the summer transfer window, although no deal has yet materialised.

Instead, David Moyes has added Gianluca Scamacca as a marquee centre-forward and looks set to bolster the midfield with the addition of Lucas Paqueta in the coming days.

However, one well-informed onlooker has now suggested that the Irons remain keen on the idea of bringing the Chelsea duo to the London Stadium…

The latest: West Ham remain ‘interested’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Brown – a journalist for the Daily Star – has claimed that the east Londoners are ‘definitely still interested’ in Gallagher and Broja.

He said: “West Ham are definitely still interested in both Gallagher and Broja. The problem for all these clubs is that it’s a waiting game really to see what they [Chelsea] decide to do.”

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The verdict: Fingers crossed

Following a successful 2021/22 campaign for the pair on loan at Crystal Palace and Southampton respectively, both Gallagher and Broja have had inauspicious starts to the new season back at Chelsea, with the former being sent off against Leicester City over the weekend.

Meanwhile, the 20-year-old – who was hailed as ‘devastating’ by Albania assistant coach Sergio Porrini – has only seen 15 minutes of Premier League action across the opening four matches of the campaign.

Compare that to last term when the powerful frontman was a leading light on the south coast, scoring nine times and providing one assist in 32 league outings for Southampton, and it’s clear to see that there could be scope for another move away before the transfer window closes.

As such, Moyes, Rob Newman and GSB should be attentive to all possibilities, and were Chelsea to add more options to their own squad, West Ham should be looking to raid their Premier League rivals.

West Ham United are in the race to try and sign Spezia defender Jakub Kiwior, according to a new transfer report which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Kiwior already on West Ham’s radar

The 22-year-old has impressed with his performances for his current club and he was linked with a move to the Hammers during the summer transfer window.

Kiwior ended up staying put at Spezia, though, and he has continued to shine so far this season, winning 1.6 aerial duels per game in Serie A.

However, it appears as though a move to the Premier League is still possible for the Poland defender, in light of a recent report.

The Latest: West Ham still keen on Kiwior

According to Tuttomercatoweb, West Ham are still interested in signing Kiwior, although it isn’t specified if a January of summer switch could come to fruition.

Serie A champions AC Milan are also keen on acquiring his signature, though, with the youngster’s current Spezia contract expiring at the end of the 2024/25 season.

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The Verdict: Long-term acquisition

Kiwior could be a shrewd acquisition for the Hammers if they manage to get a deal over the line, not only improving squad depth at centre-back but also acting as a long-term signing.

At 22, he is still maturing as a player and should continue to find new levels in the coming years, although the fact that he is already a regular in Serie A says a lot about his quality. He can also play as a defensive midfielder, so his versatility is an added bonus.

Indeed, with FBRef citing him as stylistically similar to former West Ham colossus Cheikhou Kouyate, who like the Spezia gem can adapt to either a centre-back or midfield role, Irons supporters may well get something of a throwback to the Senegal international at the London Stadium if the club’s interest manifests itself in a transfer.

Kiwior also has four caps to his name for Poland and will hope to impress at the upcoming World Cup after featuring in both of his country’s UEFA Nations League matches over the past week, ideally giving David Moyes and West Ham an opportunity to see him on the biggest stage of all.

Leeds United striker Wilfried Gnonto ‘took a few whacks’ while playing for Italy on Monday night, according to Joe Donnohue of The Yorkshire Evening Post. 

The lowdown

The 18-year-old, who sealed a £4.05m move from FC Zurich to Elland Road on transfer deadline day, started for his country for the third time as they took on Hungary in their UEFA Nations League clash in Budapest.

He became the first Italian to reach that milestone before his 19th birthday in the post-war era and completed 65 minutes before he was withdrawn by manager Roberto Mancini, with Italy already cruising at 2-0 up.

The latest

Taking to Twitter, Donnohue predicted that the change was only ‘precautionary’ but said that Gnonto had very much been in the firing line.

He wrote: “Gnonto subbed off on 65 minutes. Took a few whacks towards the end there, occupational hazard of putting himself about. Probably a precautionary change from Mancini with Italy already 2-0 up.”

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The verdict

Gnonto had already provided Leeds with a glimpse of his capabilities, chasing down and challenging the goalkeeper following an underhit Hungary backpass in the build-up to Italy’s opener.

Giacomo Raspadori subsequently latched onto it and had the simple task of finishing, with Peter Gulacsi already on the floor.

Leeds supporters will surely be excited to see a teenager they signed for just over £4m already starting multiple matches for the reigning European champions.

However, Jesse Marsch will now be hoping that the ‘explosive’ striker, to quote sports journalist Jack Douglas, hasn’t sustained a knock after ‘putting himself about’. It will be intriguing to see what the Elland Road medics deduce once the teenager returns to Thorp Arch this week.

Everton have had their fair share of injury problems over the last 12 months but are comfortably competing in the Premier League this season after their relegation struggles, with a reliable source now gifting supporters more good news.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Simon Phillips, Nathan Patterson could return to action sooner than expected after sustaining an ankle injury whilst on international duty with Scotland this month.

Phillips told GIVEMESPORT:

“I did speak to my source on his injury, and there’s some positivity that he might be back sooner than six weeks, more sort of four to five weeks.

“So, we’ll have to see the full impact of that one and how quickly he recovers, but it’s not all doom and gloom, there’s a bit more positivity that he might come back sooner than first expected.”

It’s a boost for Lampard

There is no doubt the news that the young Toffees right-back could return sooner rather than later will be a big boost for Frank Lampard, as Patterson has been a standout performer in the team since taking over the role from Seamus Coleman.

The 20-year-old Scotsman has made the position his own despite having big boots to fill in replacing the club captain, and over his first seven Premier League outings has proved that he is now a key player to the team.

Patterson has created one big chance, making 1.3 interceptions, four tackles, 2.7 clearances and has won six duels per game, proving that he is a dominant presence on the right side of the pitch and his inclusion has contributed to Everton’s improved performances over the season so far.

For comparison, no player in the Goodison ranks has made more successful tackles a game this term with Amadou Onana next up, although a considerably way behind on 2.6.

The £15k-per-week talented youngster’s influence has not gone unnoticed either as Danny Murphy lavished praise on Patterson during an analysis of his performance against Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby:

“This young lad, Nathan Patterson, seems to have the lot. He is only 20, he came in January, physically, he is very, very good.

“He’s got this desire to get forward and have an impact on the game, which I think is great. His defensive work is good, you can see the strength to keep the ball under pressure.

“He is a diamond, they really have got themselves a good player in the market. He is a terrific young player.”

With that being said, the return of Patterson will be warmly welcomed by both the manager and supporters when he does recover from his injury as he is already shaping up to be a huge future prospect for Everton and has come at the perfect time as Coleman nears the end of his career.

Manchester United could make a move for Napoli attacker Hirving Lozano when he leaves the Serie A club next summer, according to a transfer report.

The Lowdown: Lozano set for Napoli exit in 2023

The 27-year-old’s current deal with the Azzurri doesn’t expire until 2024 but it could be that he exits next year, having not always been a key player in recent times.

Lozano first earned widespread attention during the 2018 World Cup, when his performances for Mexico caught the eye as he scored one goal (the winner against Germany) and set up another at the tournament.

Since then, he has registered 40 goal contributions (26 goals and 14 assists) in 123 Napoli appearances, also once being hailed as ‘incredible’ by journalist Maxi Angelo.

The Latest: Man United linked with Lozano

Speaking to Gonfia la Rete [via Sport Witness], agent Alessandro Monfrecola claimed that United are among a number of clubs where Lozano could end up in 2023.

He stated:

“Next June, Lozano will leave in my opinion, also because he earns over 4 million at Napoli.

“Although he is delighted to be here, he has never hidden that he aspired to the top English clubs, although now he is probably realising that Napoli itself is a top club.

“He has never hidden that he loves Barcelona and Real Madrid, but unless Ancelotti falls in love with him again, he has no market. I think he could land in Manchester United or Everton. This does not exclude that other English teams could enter the negotiation.

“My personal prediction is that he will leave in June, but he is very happy here.”

The Verdict: Good squad option?

Lozano might not necessarily come in as someone who could take United’s starting line-up to the next level in 2023/24, but he could be a great squad signing.

He possesses quick feet and end product in wide areas, not to mention plentiful experience which has seen him earn 58 caps for Mexico, so he could be a shrewd prospective addition.

Attack is still an area of United’s team in need of reinforcements, with Cristiano Ronaldo ageing and often ignored, Anthony Martial injury-prone and Marcus Rashford linked with a move away, and Lozano would perhaps give it an injection of fresh quality and unpredictability.

AC Milan has reportedly joined Everton and five other clubs in the race to sign Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

Brereton Diaz is out of contract in the summer of 2023, meaning that he can leave as a free agent at the end of this campaign or for a relatively low fee in January.

It also means that he can sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club however, with plenty of European suitors thought to be taking an interest…

The Latest: Milan join race

As per Estadio Deportivo, seven-time Champions League winners and Italian giants AC Milan have now joined the Goodison Park outfit in the race for Brereton Diaz.

Leeds United, Almeria, Valencia, Celta Vigo and Sevilla are also thought to be interested in his signature, meaning that the Merseyside club now appear to be in a huge seven-horse race.

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The Verdict: Unlikely

With the profile of some of the teams in the hunt for Brereton Diaz, including Milan, it seems unlikely that Frank Lampard’s side will be able to persuade him to sign for them instead.

Hailed as a ‘beast’ by former Rovers boss Tony Mowbray, the six-foot-one striker managed an impressive 22 goals in the Championship last season, and already has seven to his name in this campaign (Transfermarkt).

He is clearly ready to make the step up to the Premier League, but a career in Italy with Serie A holders Milan may be too tempting of an offer to turn down for the Chile international.