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West Ham United are ‘most closely’ eyeing a move for Middlesbrough forward Isaiah Jones, according to reports.

The Lowdown: West Ham make transfer plans…

Despite a record-breaking summer of spending, the Hammers are reportedly making further transfer plans behind the scenes in an effort to back manager David Moyes.

West Ham have endured a difficult start to the 2022/23 Premier League season as we approach the World Cup in Qatar, with the east Londoners currently sitting 13th in the table.

Moyes’ side have also won just four of their 13 opening league matches, potentially prompting them to make out-of-window moves already, as has been reported with Sao Paulo star Luizao.

West Ham could also turn to the Championship for answers, with one journalist sharing an update on their links with the ‘Boro winger.

The Latest: West Ham eyeing Jones ‘most closely’…

Indeed, the Irons hold a serious interest in Jones, alongside fellow top-flight club Crystal Palace, as per Football League World.

It is believed that West Ham are tracking the 23-year-old, who can also play wing-back, with reporter Dean Jones sharing an update.

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When asked about the Hammers’ links to the Middlesbrough sensation, he explained to GiveMeSport: “It would be a nice addition. Palace and West Ham have been following Isaiah Jones most closely.”

The Verdict: Make a move?

Called a ‘wonderful’ and ‘incredible’ player by journalist Josh Bunting, even though the 23-year-old hasn’t been at his best recently according to Jones, the Riverside starlet has still impressed statistically.

As per WhoScored, he stands out as Boro’s best-performing player by average match rating, and nobody in their squad has completed more successful take-ons per 90 than the Englishman.

Depending on Jones’ possible price tag, Moyes will surely be watching the player’s progress with keen optimism.

Leeds United chief Victor Orta has issued an apology after footage emerged following the 4-3 win over Bournemouth at the weekend.

The Lowdown: Dramatic comeback

It looked as if the Whites were heading for defeat at Elland Road after Dominic Solanke put the visitors 3-1 up shortly after half time.

However, goals from Sam Greenwood, Liam Cooper and Crysencio Summerville sealed a dramatic comeback and ensured Jesse Marsch’s side would make it back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season.

Footage emerged on Twitter after the win of Orta chanting ‘sack the board’ at one supporter, with Conor McGilligan labelling it ‘absolutely insane’.

The Latest: Orta’s apology

Leeds correspondent Graham Smyth took to Twitter on Sunday evening to share an update on Orta, tweeting:

“Victor Orta has released a statement apologising over an incident that was captured on camera at full-time yesterday. He’s also detailed abuse received in recent weeks.”

The statement, which was shared by The Yorkshire Evening Post, is available to view here.

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The Verdict: Tension

There appears to be plenty of tension between the supporters and the board, with chants aimed at Leeds officials during last month’s defeat to Fulham.

Fans are entitled to their own opinion, and with Orta being extremely emotional at full-time, it doesn’t come as a shock that he reacted in the manner that he did.

An apology was expected after his Elland Road antics, but the abuse he has received via phone calls and texts is unacceptable.

The club need to try and come together once again, but sadly it feels like the relationship between fans and the board is growing apart.

Leeds United summer departee Elia Caprile is attracting the interest of Napoli ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Mario Giuffredi, with the Italian agent revealing in a recent interview with Radio Marte (via Sport Witness) that Aurelio De Laurentiis is planning on signing the goalkeeper this winter, with the Napoli president believed to be using his connections with the Bari owner – his son Luigi De Laurentiis – to seal the 21-year-old on a cut-price deal.

This is sure to come as a huge blow to Victor Orta and Leeds United, as the Whites’ director of football was reported to have negotiated a 50% sell-on clause in the shot-stopper’s €150k (£130k) move to the Stadio San Nicola – something that will become practically worthless should Caprile indeed go on to link up with Gli Azzurri for a reduced fee.

Regarding the future of the ‘keeper, Giuffredi said: “The sporting director of Napoli, [Cristiano] Giuntoli, will not do anything in January. He will take only two players from Bari, [Walid] Cheddira and Caprile, to put in the squad next season.”

Orta mare

While it would appear highly unlikely that, should Caprile have remained at Elland Road this season, the 21-year-old would have gone on to displace the imperious Illan Meslier as Jesse Marsch’s number one, considering just how impressive the Italian has been for Bari, Orta’s decision to cash in on the goalkeeper for such a small fee is already proving to have been a shocker.

Indeed, over his 13 Serie B appearances this season, the £1.1m-rated talent has been in sensational form, helping his side keep three clean sheets and saving one penalty, as well as making an average of 2.4 saves – at a success rate of 67% – per game.

These returns have seen the 21-year-old average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.85, currently ranking him as Michele Mignani’s tenth-best performer in the second tier of Italian football.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the shot-stopper’s performances have seen the player who Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig compared to Gianluigi Buffon and dubbed both an “absolute star” and a “terminator” earn a considerable amount of praise, with agent Graziano Battistini stating of the youngster after his fantastic start to the season:

“Obviously a start like this surprised everyone a bit. Not so much me, because I’ve known him for some time and I had faith that he would respond presently in the face of this new adventure.

“I hoped that the environment Bari could give him confidence. Once this happened, Elia demonstrated all his worth and everything came as a consequence. I was aware that all this could happen. Now we just have to continue like this.”

And, with it appearing as if Serie A table-toppers Napoli could now be set to snap the Italy U21 international up in January, coupled with just how much the 21-year-old has developed since his move to Bari, Orta’s decision to part with Caprile this summer is proving to have been more and more of a mare for the director of football with each passing day.

Rangers are currently stepping up their search to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the dugout, with the Dutchman having been relieved of his duties at Ibrox earlier this week just a year on from having been appointed Steven Gerrard’s successor.

The 47-year-old’s time in charge ended in something of a whimper as he saw his side held to a frustrating 1-1 draw away to St Mirren, with the Light Blues reliant on a late James Tavernier spot-kick to spare their blushes.

One notable tale from that disappointing stalemate was the withdrawal of Glen Kamara at the interval, with the Finland international having reportedly had something of a bust-up with his manager at full-time after venting his frustrations.

That had come after the former Dundee man – who was signed for a bargain fee of just £50k back in January 2019 – had been reduced to something of a bit-part role in the early months of the season, starting just seven games in all competitions – albeit while impacted by injury.

There may well have been frustration at the player’s apparent desire for an exit – having come close to joining Nice in the summer – with pundit Noel Whelan describing the 27-year-old as somewhat “disrespectful” after publicly stating his ambition to play in a “top-five league”.

Having rather had his time in Scotland ruined under Van Bronckhorst, the 48-cap menace is now being tipped to finally seal an exit when the market re-opens in the New Year for a fee of around £10m, with Serie A side Salernitana one of those to have been linked of late.

Despite that speculation, a change at the helm in Glasgow could well spark a revival for Kamara at the club, with the “vital” asset, as described by pundit Paddy Kenny, someone whom a new appointment would likely be hoping to build around.

The one-time Arsenal man has been a “big player” for the Gers over the years, as per Kenny, racking up 174 appearances in all competitions to date, scoring eight goals and providing 11 assists in that time.

That impressive spell has seen the £21k-per-week ace play his part in the club claiming a league title and a Scottish Cup success, while also proving influential in last season’s Europa League run, scoring a vital goal in the win over RB Leipzig at the semi-final stage.

With a number of the club’s key figures coming towards the end of their contracts, Kamara – whose existing deal is set to run until 2025 – may well be one whom a new appointment simply can’t afford to lose, with the hope being that a change in the dugout can spark a change in fortunes on the pitch for the midfielder.

Everton have yet again found themselves struggling in the Premier League over the campaign so far, and Frank Lampard will be desperately trying to find solutions to improve his team’s performances on the pitch.

After a poor run of form leading up to the World Cup break, the Toffees lost six of their last eight outings in the top flight, which has now left them just one point away from falling into the relegation zone.

Indeed, the defensive play has certainly strengthened with the signings of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski in the summer, as the pair have developed a fantastic centre-back partnership. However, in terms of their attacking threat, it is clear that a lack of goal contributions and creativity is Lampard’s biggest problem.

Only Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer goals than Everton this season so far in the Premier League, and it is becoming more apparent that Richarlison’s summer exit and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury issues have hindered the Toffees’ goalscoring prowess.

As a result, Lampard must take the golden opportunity to sign a prolific finisher who can make an instant positive impact in the attacking third when the transfer window reopens next month.

One player who has been linked with a move to the blue half of Merseyside is Senegal and Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia, and the Villarreal-owned centre forward could be the key to unlocking the stale and uninspiring goal threat that Everton have shown so far in 2022/23.

Across 14 Serie A appearances this term, the 26-year-old – who was dubbed a “handful” by journalist Dean Jones – has scored six goals, registered two assists and created one big chance, also averaging 1.1 shots and 2.7 successful duels per game.

Compare that with Everton striker Neal Maupay, who in ten Premier League appearances this term has just one goal and zero assists or big chances created, winning 2.1 duels per game.

Furthermore, Dia has been impressing on the international stage whilst representing Senegal in the World Cup as he scored Senegal’s first goal of the tournament against Qatar, with the African champions since progressing to the knockout stages, where they will face England on Sunday night.

Across three World Cup appearances, the £17m-valued Senegal star has scored one goal and completed 50% of his dribbles, whilst averaging two shots on goal, one clearance and 3.3 successful duels per game.

With that in mind, the prospective signing of Dia could be a great piece of business for Everton; and if he can continue his flourishing form in front of goal, he could be a hugely valuable asset to Lampard over the second half of the season.

Aston Villa have risen from the ashes left scattered in the wake of Steven Gerrard’s tenure at the club, having appointed success-driven manager Unai Emery and steering away from the chasm that is the Premier League relegation zone.  

With Emery now utilising the midseason break, due to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he will be assessing his entire squad with furrowed brows, looking to identify the best path to success for both his team and his individual players.

One such squad member is Cameron Archer, with the 20-year-old striker an attractive talent in Aston, having netted 17 times and providing seven assists in just 36 appearances for the Villa U21s before earning several chances for the seniors. 

And scoring four times in just 13 appearances, he is certainly staking his claim for a shot at a regular place in the coming years.

This includes a memorable hat-trick in last season’s Carabao Cup, which the young ace achieved on his first start for the Claret and Blue during a 6-0 rout over lowly Barrow in the second round before netting in the third round against Chelsea. 

However, at present, progress may be hindered should he remain at Villa Park, with a temporary departure perhaps the best avenue to continue to build his skillset and nurture his ability. 

Indeed, the forward has played just 51 minutes of action across all competitions thus far, and according to Football Insider, there are a host of Championship outfits seeking to clinch the starlet for the remainder of the current term, with Sunderland looking to forge ahead and strike a deal. 

Sunderland, who achieved promotion to the second division earlier this year, are enjoying a steady campaign and look to be a step ahead of the scrambling pack at the bottom of the division.

Slotting Archer into the fray would provide a clinical offensive presence to complement a strike force that relies heavily on the 26-year-old Ross Stewart.

Whilst boasting young stars such as Jewison Bennette and loanee Ellis Simms, The Stadium of Light calls for a player to bring vibrancy and firepower to continue a climb toward the promotion places.

With just 43 Premier League minutes under his belt this year, Archer would do well in following suit of other young forwards, such as former Aston Villa loanee Tammy Abraham, in flourishing in England’s second tier before aiming sights toward the Premier League. 

Archer has been catching the eye for some time now, despite his tender age, netting seven times in just 20 outings while on loan at Preston North End, with boss Ryan Lowe lauding his “abundance of talent”. 

Having signed a new long-term contract with his club earlier this year, it is evident that the Villa hierarchy view his potential as something that can blossom over the coming years.  

However, he cannot continue to keep eating up his time while sitting on the bench. At the moment his potential is being ruined by such a factor but a move to the northeast could just benefit all parties.

With Championship experience already under his belt, Archer might just be prudent to grasp the current opportunity to star for the Black Cats, and return to Villa Park ready to take the Premier League by storm.

West Ham United could offer Gianluca Scamacca some striking relief, and potentially ditch Michail Antonio this January…

What’s the latest?

As per Alan Nixon, speaking to his Patreon, the Hammers are one of several English clubs eyeing a swoop for Viktor Gyokeres.

Looking to prey on the financial troubles of Coventry City, it is thought that the Sweden international could be snatched at a cut price.

As such, Everton, Burnley, Crystal Palace and Southampton are all referenced in the report as keen on his signature.

Ditch Antonio

It was thought that their £35.5m summer expenditure on Scamacca would see him prove to be the natural successor to their Jamaican marksman, but he has struggled to find his feet in England.

The Italian has just two goals in domestic competition this season and looks unlikely to replicate his 16-goal campaign in his final year in Italy.

Given his youth, it was expected that he would not become an instant success, but with Antonio at 32 years old now the Irons do need someone to make up for his inevitable decline.

Despite being their all-time top scorer in the Premier League, he has been known to suffer from injuries, and his seniority will likely see this exacerbated.

In Gyokeres they could add a consistent stream of goals, given how he already has 107 across his career at just 24 years old.

This season has seen him bag nine times in the Championship for a struggling Sky Blues side, using his 6 foot 2 frame to good effect.

His signing would also mark one of a few times where West Ham have dipped into the division below for talent, with Jarrod Bowen the outstanding example.

Last season saw the former Hull City wide man record an outstanding 31 goal contributions for his east London outfit.

When speaking to the press, Gyokeres’ manager Mark Robins has been vocal in his praise for the finisher but has also yielded they are at “the mercy of predators” when the transfer window rolls around.

He said: “He has some unbelievable ability – power, technique. He has got everything in his locker and that desire and hunger to score goals, and he’s also got a really angry side as well…”.

With Antonio entering the twilight of his career, this hulking frontman could step in to shine in his place at the London Stadium.

Manchester United are considering the prospect of re-signing former attacker Memphis Depay from Barcelona, according to a new transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Depay flops at United

The Dutchman has forged an impressive career for himself as the years have passed, scoring 43 goals in 86 caps for the Netherlands – an excellent return at international level – and once being called a ‘joy to watch’ by Ronald Koeman.

Depay has had highs and lows over time, however, and he endured a disappointing spell at United between 2015 and 2017. Signed by Louis van Gaal, who he called the ‘best manager in the world’, he netted just seven goals in 53 appearances.

The 28-year-old’s stock has risen since leaving Old Trafford, however, and now a return there is being mooted.

The Latest: Return on the cards?

According to Sport [via Sport Witness], United are ‘thinking about’ bringing Depay back to the club, with Erik ten Hag an admirer of his compatriot.

There are thought to be ‘several teams’ interested in signing the Dutch star, however, so it may not be easy for the Red Devils to seal a reunion even though the player ‘wants to leave to have more minutes’.

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The Verdict: Is it worth it?

While Depay is clearly a far more mature and rounded footballer these days, there are still question marks over whether it would be better to ignore a return for him.

His time at Barcelona hasn’t been particularly successful – he has earned just two starts in La Liga so far this season – and he also turns 29 early next year, meaning he wouldn’t necessarily be a long-term capture.

Ten Hag would arguably be better off signing a younger alternative in Depay’s attacking wide role – someone who can be a mainstay of the squad for six or seven years and improve over time, like Cody Gakpo.

Chelsea could attempt a January move for RB Leipzig sensation Josko Gvardiol with a bid already made, says Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Lowdown: Gvardiol dazzles in Qatar…

After his sensational World Cup campaign with Croatia, where he played a key role in helping them reach the semi-finals, attention turns to Gvardiol’s future.

Reports suggest Todd Boehly and co are ‘working’ on a move for the 20-year-old, who could cost as much as £86 million, and manager Graham Potter is said to be really interested.

European giants like Real Madrid are also eyeing a move for Gvardiol but Chelsea, according to Di Marzio, are well and truly in the fight for his signature.

The Latest: Di Marzio shares Gvardiol to Chelsea update…

Speaking to soccernews, the Italian transfer reporter claims Real are eyeing a summer deal for the centre-back but Chelsea could attempt a move as soon as January.

He explained:

“I know Chelsea and Real Madrid are most interested in him at the moment. They have already put in bids, but his transfer value has skyrocketed due to his performance in the World Cup.

“Chelsea will probably make an attempt in January, but Real Madrid prefer a summer deal.

“I think Madrid would be the best for his career. Not only because we are talking about Real Madrid, but also because of the presence of Carlo Ancelotti, and he can make him better. Ancelotti knows a lot about defending and Gvardiol would benefit from the help of an Italian coach at this stage of his career.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

If Potter is keen to bolster his backline, we could think of nobody better than Gvardiol in terms of both quality and longevity.

Still young, the Bundesliga sensation has been called ‘unbelievable’ and ‘sensational’ by members of the media – especially after his performances in Qatar,

However, going by recent reports, it appears Chelsea will have to pay big for his services.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are keen on a January deal for Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports from Sweden.

The Lowdown: Wolves’ striker issues

While Wolves managed to secure an important win in Julen Lopetegui’s first Premier League match in charge, courtesy of a 2-1 victory at Everton on Boxing Day, they had to rely on goals from winger Daniel Podence and left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Diego Costa once again struggled to make his mark on proceedings and is still yet to score for the club in eight matches in all competitions, while Raul Jimenez has also failed to find the net in three league outings this term.

As such, it is no wonder that Lopetegui is looking to bring in another new striker in January following the recent signing of Matheus Cunha, with Gyokeres now being considered as an option…

The Latest: Wolves keen on Gyokeres

According to Swedish outlet Sportsbladet (via Birmingham Live), Wolves are keen on signing the 24-year-old in the upcoming transfer window after his impressive start to the season with Coventry in the Championship which has seen him net 12 goals, two more than Lopetegui’s entire squad have managed in their league campaign.

The Old Gold may have to fend off interest from elsewhere, though, as both Everton and Fulham are also credited with an interest in the forward.

The Verdict: Get it done?

It is clear that Wolves need some attacking firepower from somewhere if they are to continue pushing up the league table, as the current options available to Lopetegui have just not been clinical enough.

The Old Gold have created 16 big chances so far this term, more than Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and West Ham United, but they are the Premier League’s lowest scorers, having converted just ten of these opportunities.

Lauded as ‘unbelievable’ by Coventry manager Mark Robins, who added that Gyokeres has the ‘desire and hunger’ to score goals, the 24-year-old could well be able to alleviate these woes in front of goal, judging by his impressive scoring record throughout his career so far.

The 11-cap Sweden international has 64 goals in 200 professional appearances at club level, including 12 in 23 games this season. Those figures would indicate that he is full of confidence and exactly the type of player Wolves need in front of goal, given their current involvement in a relegation battle.