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Tottenham Hotspur have a budding youngster growing more and more popular behind-the-scenes, with manager Ange Postecoglou's head being turned.

Postecoglou praises Spurs teenagers

There are a good few Lilywhites talents to watch out for over the next few years. Striker Mikey Moore, who is currently thriving at N17, was recently named in The Guardian's yearly 'Next Generation" piece as one of the best standout academy talents in England.

He's impressing many on-lookers with his devastating take-on ability, dribbling past opponents "as if they are not there" (Dave Hytner), but Moore isn't the only teenager who Spurs could fast-track for first-team action soon. Postecoglou has already expressed his admiration for the likes of Jamie Donley and Alfie Dorrington, with the Australian naming the pair as those who've particularly blown him away.

“With the young guys like Jamie [Donley], he’s been doing really well with the U21s consistently. Jamie and Alfie Dorrington have really stood out and that’s why they’ve been training with us" said Postecoglou to football.london.

“They’ve got to keep working and it doesn’t mean they’re ahead in the pecking order of people like Alfie Devine and Dane Scarlett who are out on loan. I’ve been really pleased with Jamie and Alfie though, they’ve been working well.”

Supporters should keep their eyes peeled for Donley in particular, as a report by TEAMtalk suggests this week.

Ange left "impressed" by "popular" Donley

According to their information, Spurs boss Postecoglou is being left continuously impressed by Donley and his run of form. The teenager is growing more and more popular at Hotspur Way, and it is believed that there is a growing belief he is ready for first-team action.

It's added that Postecoglou and co are set for a decision on his immediate future, as EFL clubs also circle to take the forward on loan.

Donley, who operates as a second striker, is in absolutely scintillating form for Spurs' Under-21s right now. The 18-year-old has racked up eight assists and four goals in just 12 Premier League 2 appearances this season, with reporter Alasdair Gold even calling him the "most confident player at Tottenham".

Player

Goals

Harry Kane

280

Jimmy Greaves

266

Bobby Smith

208

Martin Chivers

174

Cliff Jones

154

Teddy Sheringham

150

Heung-min Son

148

Robbie Keane

148

Jermain Defoe

143

George Hunt

138

Stats according to GOAL

“I’m not saying throw him in at the start whatsoever and I think he needs to be brought in carefully,” said the football.london journalist on his Gold & Guest YouTube channel.

“But when everyone’s looking at Veliz to get some minutes, or Ashley Phillips to get some minutes, you’ve got a player who is probably the most confident player at Tottenham Hotspur right now Jamie Donley.

“He’s just won the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award as well, everything he’s doing is coming off.

“He’s got a great vision, he’s got a great ability to thread a ball through, he can cross a ball in, he takes set pieces as well at times and when he’s a striker and he’s through on goal, he’s scoring the goals.”

It will be very interesting to see what Spurs end up doing with the unseen teen, who is yet to make his first-team debut despite standing out as one of the club's most exciting young stars.

Queens Park Rangers are interested in signing an attacking player currently plying his trade at another Football League club, according to a new transfer rumour.

QPR transfer news

The Rs are going through the start of a new era at the club currently, with Marti Cifuentes coming in as their new manager after the sacking of Gareth Ainsworth, following a hugely disappointing start to the season. On Saturday afternoon, QPR make the trip to Norwich City for a testing clash, as they return to Championship action after the international break has got in the way over the past fortnight.

Cifuentes' side are languishing in 23rd place in the table currently, with only Sheffield Wednesday sitting below them, and it is clear that improvements are needed both on the pitch and in the transfer market, in order for relegation to League One to be avoided next May.

Former Rs striker Chris Martin was one player linked with a move to Loftus Road back in the summer, whereas defender Nathaniel Adjei is also seen as a target for QPR, as they battle a host of clubs for his signature.

QPR keen on signing CJ Hamilton

According to a new claim from Football Insider, QPR are keen on signing Blackpool wide man CJ Hamilton in the January transfer window, but they aren't alone in expressing an interest.

"Huddersfield Town, Queens Park Rangers and Derby County are plotting moves for Blackpool winger CJ Hamilton in January, sources have told Football Insider. Hamilton, 28, is entering the final six months of his contract at Bloomfield Road – and the Seasiders could be susceptible to offers for the attacker in the new year.

"Championship strugglers Huddersfield and QPR are desperate to bolster their attacking options in January and are keeping tabs on Hamilton‘s situation."

Hamilton may currently be playing in League One, which may put some QPR fans off the idea of signing him, but he could be a shrewd signing who can add more attacking firepower to the squad, with plenty of experience in the Football League down the years.

Former Blackpool favourite Brett Ormerod has heaped praise on the 28-year-old in the past, highlighting his pace as one key attribute.

"He’s a player that can go either way down the wing, so he’s a nightmare for defenders. He’s got unbelievable pace, all he needs to do is knock the ball- he just needs a couple of yards. If he gets a start on you then you’ve got virtually no chance."

Championship

63

3

9

League One

40

6

9

League Two

142

15

16

The QPR transfer target has enjoyed a decent start to this season for Blackpool, registering four assists and also scoring once for good measure in League One. In the past, Hamilton has 12 goal contributions (three goals and nine assists) to his name in the Championship, showing that he can cut it at that level, and he is still young enough to be a good signing for the Rs for the foreseeable future.

Arsenal are reportedly already eyeing a move in the summer 2024 transfer window, with a player currently impressing in the Premier League speculated to be a target.

Mikel Arteta’s side are still lacking in squad depth, despite signing over £200m worth of talent in the summer, with the need for additional reinforcements imperative in the January market and beyond.

From midfielders to forwards, the Gunners are said to be on the prowl for improvements ahead of the opening of the January window, with one name targeted for later in 2024.

Arsenal transfer targets – Ansu Fati

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal are interested in signing Barcelona starlet Ansu Fati at the expiration of his loan with Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer.

The report names the Gunners, Manchester United and Liverpool as those that have ‘expressed an interest’ in the winger, who could leave his boyhood club on a permanent basis in the summer, despite his wishes to prove himself in Catalonia.

With a CIES Football Observatory market value of €80m (£70m), the Spanish champions could consider offloading their academy graduate to raise much-needed funds, as the club battles significant debt.

The potential availability of the 21-year-old could hand Arsenal the chance to add the highly-rated La Masia product to Arteta’s squad, with his recent Premier League experience being a huge plus.

How Ansu Fati could fit in at Arsenal

Once lauded as “magic” by Barcelona teammate Eric Garcia, Fati's breakthrough from La Masia came extremely early into his career, bursting into the first team at Camp Nou at the mere age of 16.

Despite showcasing his innate ability on the left flank, the Spaniard was unable to prove his claim to the starting XI under Xavi, who sent the 2002-born maestro on loan to Brighton to develop his game and gain valuable minutes in the Premier League.

On the south coast, the Spain international has secured five goal contributions in 13 appearances in all competitions, suggesting that his talents in La Liga are transferable to the demands of the English top-flight.

8

1

2

88%

17%

0.4

1.5

As touched upon, it’s imperative that Arsenal add to their depth in future transfer markets, with the frailties in the squad already exposed this season due to injury woes.

Signing Fati could open the door to an added option at left-wing and additional competition for Gabriel Martinelli, in a move that could benefit more than just that area in particular.

The Gunners’ other left-wing option behind the Brazilian maestro is Leandro Trossard, who has been selected to play in a more central role of late to cover for the injury of Gabriel Jesus – having done so on three occasions this season.

In fact, even when Martinelli was absent with a hamstring injury, the Belgian was utilised in the central role rather than in his more familiar left-wing berth, telling that the manager prefers to deploy the former Seagulls star to lead the line.

That tactic notably worked to great effect last time out as Trossard scored and assisted in the comfortable win over a struggling Burnley side, indicating that the one-time Genk man could be a solution through the middle.

By signing Fati, Arsenal could then have a genuine backup and competitor for Martinelli, allowing Trossard to permanently occupy the central role and hand the north Londoners a much-needed clinical outlet in front of goal.

Chelsea chiefs are monitoring the situation of an overseas teenager as they consider bringing him to the Premier League in January, according to a reliable journalist.

Chelsea's youngest players

At Stamford Bridge, Mauricio Pochettino currently has six members of his first-team squad aged 20 or under, with Todd Boehly known to have a strong track record when it comes to recruiting up-and-coming talents, looking to build a long-term future for the club.

Deivid Washington

18

Romeo Lavia

19

Lesley Ugochukwu

19

Levi Colwill

20

Malo Gusto

20

Carney Chukwuemeka

20

The Blues therefore know that any talented prospect they pursue in the market may find the opportunity to join attractive because they know they could be given the chance to prove themselves at senior level, and their latest target may feel the same.

FC Copenhagen’s right-winger Roony Bardghji has worked his way up through his side’s various youth ranks to get promoted to their first team where he’s since gone on to make a total of 69 senior appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Bardghji statistics).

According to Copenhagen’s sporting director Peter Christiansen, Sweden’s youth international is attracting significant interest ahead of the upcoming window, and if the following update is to be believed, the 18-year-old is firmly on the radar of the hierarchy in the top-flight.

Chelsea tracking Roony Bardghji

Taking to X, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Chelsea are keeping tabs on Bardghji, but they aren't alone in their pursuit with three other high-profile clubs also hoping to secure his services in January.

He wrote: "European top clubs are starting to move for Copenhagen’s Swedish 18 year old talent Roony Bardghji. He’s under contract until December 2025 — short deal making it an opportunity. Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus, Barcelona and Chelsea scouts have been tracking him."

Bardghji is an "unreal talent" for the future

Across all competitions this season, Bardghji has scored 11 goals from 28 games in total which is an extremely impressive return for a teenager in the final third, but it’s not just his natural position out wide on the right wing where he’s comfortable playing.

The Kuwait City native is a versatile operator having been deployed in five different positions over the grass since the start of his career, including three roles across the frontline and two in the midfield, so he could be a useful option to have in the building should any unexpected injuries occur where cover needs to be provided.

Pochettino’s left-footed target has even had a taste of what it’s like to compete and be successful having secured four trophies across all age levels during his time at FC Copenhagen, so he seems to already possess that winning mentality and be motivated to achieve.

As described by football scout Jacek Kulig, Bardghji is an “unreal talent” and there’s no doubt that should he decide to put pen to paper in the coming weeks, Chelsea could be gaining a genuinely exciting player that they may go on to star in the first team for years to come.

Following their impressive 3-0 home win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Sunday, David Moyes' West Ham United side have the challenge of taking on Liverpool at Anfield in their League Cup quarter-final.

The Hammers have been in reasonably good form for most of the season this year, topping their Europa League group with relative ease and fighting their way to eighth in an incredibly competitive league.

They have a fantastic opportunity to go and win a second trophy in as many years with the League Cup, and they can call on their experience in the Conference League last year if they need any reassurance during the game.

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The prospect of a one-legged quarter-final at Anfield may be daunting, but the Hammers wiped the floor with current league leaders Arsenal in the last round and must approach this game with the same level of confidence and bravado as they did that one.

The Reds have looked great at points this year, but the games against Fulham, Toulouse and Luton Town show that they can be got at, so Moyes should look to make three personnel changes and one positional one as he looks to guide the Irons into the semi-finals.

1 GK – Łukasz Fabiański

Starting between the sticks for this all-important cup game will be Polish shot-stopper Łukasz Fabiański.

The experienced goalie has been filling in for the injured Alphonse Areola in recent weeks, and even though the Frenchman is fit again, Moyes will likely stick with his recognized cup keeper.

2 RB – Thilo Kehrer

The first change to the lineup comes at right-back, where Vladimír Coufal makes way for Thilo Kehrer to come back into the side.

The German defender started the cup game against Lincoln City in September as a right-back but has struggled for game time since.

This match represents the perfect opportunity to give him some meaningful minutes, and the "complete" defender, as described by former Germany manager Hansi Flick, has not done anything to suggest he couldn't cope.

3 CB – Kurt Zouma

Maintaining his place in the starting XI as the right-sided centre-back is former Chelsea man Kurt Zouma.

The Frenchman has been integral to everything good about the Hammers this season, and while he hasn't played in the League Cup this campaign, his presence will undoubtedly be needed on Wednesday night.

4 CB – Konstantinos Mavropanos

The second change to the XI comes in at left centre-back, with Greek international Konstantinos Mavropanos replacing regular starter Nayef Aguerd.

The stature and presence of the "gladiator", as described by his former manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, will help create a rather formidable backline that might be able to stop the powerful Darwin Núñez in his tracks should Jürgen Klopp choose to start the Uruguayan striker.

5 LB – Emerson Palmieri

Keeping his place at left-back is Italian-Brazilian full-back Emerson Palmieri.

The former Chelsea defender has started 88% of the team's Premier League games, and the 3-0 win over Arsenal in the last round of the cup, so it would be a massive surprise were he not starting on Wednesday.

6 DM – Edson Alvarez

Another stalwart in the team is Mexican international Edson Alvarez, who once again keeps his place at the base of midfield, where he has started 76% of West Ham's league encounters.

He is another one who started against Arsenal in November, and with an attack as potent as Liverpool's set to test the Irons, the former Ajax man will almost certainly start.

7 DM – James Ward-Prowse

James Ward-Prowse keeps his place in the starting XI for the quarter-final, but instead of starting in an attacking midfield role, like he did against Wolves, he'll be starting alongside Alvarez to provide more cover for the backline – replacing Tomas Soucek.

The former Southampton captain has experience playing in a defensive role and has done so 21 times in his career.

He should still be able to dictate play from a deeper position while allowing for more attacking players to start ahead of him and keeping the team's defensive unit more robust.

8 RM – Mohammed Kudus

On the right of midfield, Mohammed Kudus keeps his place in the team, and considering he has started both of the previous games in this competition, it's hardly a surprise.

The Ghanian has been on fire for the Irons this season and already has five Premier League goals to his name this year.

9 CAM – Lucas Paquetá

The second positional switch in the team for this game will be Lucas Paquetá's move into a central attacking midfield area in place of Ward-Prowse.

The Brazilian maestro might just be the club's most technically gifted player, and so it would make sense for Moyes to move into the centre of the park to allow him to dictate more of the play, and with rapid wingers either side of him, he could be a real problem for the Reds defence.

10 LM – Saïd Benrahma

The third and final change to the starting XI is out on the left, where Saïd Benrahma comes in to fill the void left by Paquetá.

The former Brentford winger started the previous two games in the League Cup and did nothing that would warrant him losing his place to someone else.

Moreover, having another tricky, technical and "unplayable" attacker, as described by journalist Josh Bunting, in the side can only help the team's chances in this must-win encounter.

After collapsing away at Manchester United in disastrous fashion last match – Erik ten Hag's stuttering Red Devils pulling off an almighty comeback to win 3-2 – Aston Villa will hope a return to home comforts today means three points will be wrapped up come full-time to forget their nightmare day out to the Theatre of Dreams instantly.

Unai Emery will ponder what team to select for the game against Burnley at Villa Park, the one-time title challengers needing to get back on track against the Clarets to keep up the pace with the teams at the top of the division and continue overperforming.

The 52-year-old boss in the Villa dug-out could drop Jacob Ramsey for the match against Vincent Kompany's side, the young homegrown product failing to strike fear into the United defence last game with a passive display going forward.

Jacob Ramsey's game vs Man United in numbers

Becoming a first-teamer again under Emery in the last few weeks, Ramsey's spot in the starting eleven could now be under threat owing to a poor performance against the Red Devils.

The 22-year-old – who has operated in central midfield this season for the Birmingham-based club – was selected to play at left wing against Ten Hag's hosts and struggled, registering just one paltry effort on Andre Onana's goal – as per Sofascore – that ended up being blocked.

Moreover, Ramsey was physically feeble in the back-and-forth affair at Old Trafford – failing to win a single aerial duel in the 3-2 loss for Villa, whilst only successfully winning 50% of his ground duels.

The Villa number 41 also failed to even attempt a dribble attempt all match, with Alejandro Garnacho upstaging the lacklustre winger for the home side with a rampant second-half display, culminating in the skilful winger scoring two goals to help the Red Devils pull off an unbelievable comeback win.

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Birmingham Live journalist John Townley handed out a meagre 5/10 rating to Ramsey after the defeat, stating that the Villa man 'went missing' in the second 45 minutes.

Emery could well look to his squad to see who can come in and replace the disappointing Ramsey for the game against Burnley therefore, opting to potentially give Moussa Diaby a go down the left flank despite primarily utilising the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man elsewhere this campaign as an attacking midfielder or striker.

Moussa Diaby's season in numbers

Diaby has been largely impressive for the top-flight club this campaign, finding the back of net four times and assisting a further six goals in all competitions so far.

Even when Emery's men are experiencing a poor day at the office, Diaby has shone this campaign – former Everton football and commentator Leon Osman singling out the slick 5 foot 7 forward as a "bright spark" earlier in the season when Villa flopped at Anfield in a 3-0 loss to Liverpool in September on BBC Radio Five Live.

Yet, playing the 24-year-old attacker as a left winger in his new surroundings could awaken a different beast altogether based on his Leverkusen numbers playing in the Bundesliga from that very spot.

Switching between playing as a right winger and left winger during the 2021/22 season in Germany, Diaby notched up a terrifying 25 goal contributions from just 32 games in the league which began to alert suitors to his services such as Villa.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2022-23

48

14

10

2022-21

42

17

14

2020-21

43

10

15

2019-20

39

8

8

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Signed for a club-record fee of £51.9m this summer, which has also seen Diaby pocket £130k-per-week at Villa Park as part of the deal, Emery will hope the explosive attacker can reach the levels he managed at Leverkusen in the Premier League soon.

Testing Diaby out down the left-hand channel against Burnley feels like a move worth pursuing, the Clarets leaking goals for fun at points this season with 38 goals shipped in just 19 games.

An on-song Diaby alongside a prolific Ollie Watkins up top could be the catalyst for Villa to kick on even more and prolong their stay near the top of the table instead of just slipping away, Ramsey, unfortunately, losing out in the process consequently.

Tottenham are looking to sell a "fast" player after Eric Dier and Djed Spence with Ange Postecoglou also looking to offload unwanted squad members.

Spurs seal Werner and Dragusin deals

It's been quite the hectic last few days at Spurs, with the Lilywhites sealing two major signings already in RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner on loan and defender Radu Dragusin from Genoa.

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Werner joins Tottenham on a temporary deal with an option to buy at around €17 million (£14.6m), while Dragusin puts pen to paper at Spurs for a package in excess of £26 million (Fabrizio Romano).

Postecoglou will be thrilled by these developments, as the Australian often made public his desire to secure signings early in the January transfer window. Reports suggest Spurs could look to sign some of Europe's brightest talents or a new midfielder, depending on outgoings and whether the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg leave north London.

Out-of-favour defender Eric Dier is also subject to interest from Bayern Munich after the Bavarians failed in their Dragusin hijack attempt (Florian Plettenberg), while Spurs right-back Djed Spence is heading to Genoa as part of the deal.

Another player who's currently battling on the fringes of Postecoglou's eleven is young midfielder Bryan Gil. The Spaniard, signed by former technical director Fabio Paratici in the summer of 2021, hasn't quite managed to become a Tottenham mainstay since his arrival from Sevilla.

Gil has been sent on various loan spells abroad in a bid to further his development, but according to Sky Sports Italia, Tottenham could actually look to offload for good.

Tottenham looking to sell Gil

According to the broadcast giant, via Get Football News Italy and TMW, Spurs are looking to outright sell Gil as things stand with Fiorentina making contact over a potential deal. It remains to be seen whether Postecoglou's side could be open to an initial loan with the option to buy, but it appears the 22-year-old may not figure in Tottenham's plans.

Gil himself is believed to want an exit and a "change of scenery", which will come as a shame given the midfielder arrived with such promise two and a half years ago.

Despite barely playing him, former Spurs boss Antonio Conte even said Gil was born to play football and likened him to Man City star Bernardo Silva – all while praising his quality as a "fast" and endurant player.

“It was really important, you know about Bryan Gil we are talking about a player who was born to play football," said Conte in January 2023.

"He understands football quickly. He’s so clever, so intelligent to understand the situation. Then you know this league is difficult, because you have to be good in quality and be fast and to have good endurance, and he has this type of quality.

“But at the same time you have to be strong physically. I think compared to last season Gil is improving a lot also under this aspect. He has to become stronger physically. I compared him to Bernardo Silva, at Manchester City, because in my opinion they are really, really similar."

After winning the Carabao Cup and earning a third-place Premier League finish last season, Manchester United were expected to progress further this campaign.

Instead, they have been woeful and sit eighth in the table, with Erik ten Hag struggling to inspire his squad.

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With that in mind, the Red Devils will look to strengthen their squad in January with the hopes of fixing their attacking issue, which has seen only two teams score fewer in the top flight – Burnley and Sheffield United.

Man Utd transfers latest – Timo Werner

According to a report from the Mirror earlier this week, Man United have set their sights on Timo Werner this January, with the German recognised as a key target.

Despite only being worth €30m (£26m), according to CIES Football Observatory, the move would be a loan deal, with Werner viewed as a temporary fix to a long-term issue.

RB Leipzig will allow the German to leave this winter, as he has failed to secure a spot in the starting XI so far this season.

Timo Werner’s style of play

Ex-Chelsea forward Werner has endured a tough spell this season, highlighted by the fact he’s started just two Bundesliga games all season and has been an unused substitute in Leipzig's last three league games. The signings of Lois Openda, Benjamin Sesko, and Xavi Simons have pushed the German further down the pecking order this campaign.

If United were to sign the Bundesliga striker, they could be getting their own version of Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, as according to Tony Cascarino of talkSPORT, the Uruguayan reminds him of Werner, who apparently "couldn't buy a goal" during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Nonetheless, the few statistics below from the last year do suggest that Cascarino's judgement may have been accurate.

xG

0.41

0.70

Goals

0.37

0.46

Shots total

2.44

4.18

Goals/shot

0.13

0.10

Both players aren’t exactly the most composed finishers, as shown by the stats above, but they have elite movement to get into goal-scoring positions. That is also highlighted by the underperformance of xG, it proves that the German and Nunez are both wasteful in front of goal. Given that United have the joint third-worst attack in the Premier League, they could do with a striker who is clinical, not someone who could squander the only opportunity they get each game.

With Nunez – who has netted just five league goals this season – hardly setting the world alight at Anfield, for United to sign their own version of the former Benfica man would be a headscratcher, particularly with Werner scoring just ten league goals during his spell with the Blues.

Furthermore, the Champions League winner is rather injury-prone and has already suffered two separate setbacks this season, ultimately making him miss seven matches. It would take a while for him to get up to speed due to his time out, and Ten Hag needs reliability after an injury-disrupted few months.

2023/24

Adductor pain

5

2023/24

Back problems

2

2022/23

Syndesmotic ligament tear

7

2021/22

Strain

7

Overall, Werner’s time at Chelsea came to an end with a lack of playing time being one of the reasons for his departure, and he will leave Leipzig once again in search of game time.

However, even though United have been poor in attack, it is difficult to see Werner taking on a constant starting XI role with the talent in Ten Hag’s side. The move for the German is simply the best that United can get, rather than what they need.

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has shared his surprise as West Ham look at signing a "unique" forward option for manager David Moyes.

West Ham seeking new attacking signings

Reports over the last week have suggested that the Irons are looking to make new attacking additions this winter, coming after a few injury worries.

West Ham open negotiations to sign "really fast" striker likened to Kudus

The east Londoners are on red alert over signing a new forward.

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Michail Antonio suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee problem recently, while the absence of star winger and makeshift centre-forward Jarrod Bowen also gives Moyes a real headache to deal with.

Mohammed Kudus is with Ghana at AFCON right now as well, resulting in West Ham having just the out-of-favour Danny Ings, Pablo Fornals, Said Benrahma and youngster Divin Mubama to choose from as alternatives.

Lucas Paqueta playing further forward isn't an option for Moyes either, as the Brazil international is reported to be out for around two months through injury.

Lucas Paqueta

Injury (Calf)

Jarrod Bowen

Injury (Ankle)

Michail Antonio

Injury (Knee)

Mohammed Kudus

AFCON

Nayef Aguerd

AFCON

As a result, West Ham are eager to bring in a new forward option in January, and it is believed Moyes is personally working hard to make a signing in that regard.

There have been a fair few targets named, such as Sunderland winger Jack Clarke, Feyenoord star Santiago Gimenez, Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy and Ajax captain Steven Bergwijn.

The latter player has been one of Ajax's shining lights in an otherwise dismal campaign for the Eredivisie giants. Indeed, Bergwijn has netted seven goals and grabbed three assists in the Dutch top flight this season – marking himself out as their best performing player per 90 by average match rating (WhoScored).

The Netherlands international, who also featured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, couldn't quite cut the mustard at former club Tottenham though. Bergwijn was sold by Antonio Conte in the summer of that same year, with reporter Michael Bridge expressing his surprise at West Ham's interest.

Sky journalist "surprised" as West Ham eye Bergwijn

The Sky correspondent backs that West Ham are looking at signing Bergwijn in January alongside a few other options, but claims the 26-year-old is a "very interesting" option given his lacklustre stint across London.

“I must say, I was a bit surprised when I saw this because when Bergwijn left, unless he was misquoted, he gave the impression that he didn't like the Premier League. But he might have liked London. That would be a very interesting one," said Bridge to GiveMeSport.

“I know it's been talked about, and there's interest there. But how far that goes, I don't know. Bergwijn signed for Ajax for over £20m, and I'm sure much would depend on how much West Ham are willing to pay this winter. That one is a bit of an eye-opener, I have to be honest because he didn't set the world alight at Spurs. He had a few injury problems. I think it's just interest at the moment, and he’s one of several players they’re looking at.”

Bergwijn did have an admirer at Spurs in former boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who called him "unique".

Tottenham Hotspur have added two new players to Ange Postecoglou's squad during the January transfer window so far and have until Thursday night to make any further additions.

Timo Werner was brought in on loan from RB Leipzig until the end of the season to improve the club's attacking options and central defender Radu Dragusin was signed from Genoa on a permanent deal.

Tottenham's £25m pursuit

Spurs had been thought to be leading a whole host of clubs trying to sign a talented 18-year-old starlet from Belgium, with reports in the last couple of weeks claiming Tottenham were close to an agreement for Club Brugge starlet Antonio Nusa.

The report stated that the Lilywhites were working hard to snap up Nusa for £25m and that they were in pole position to secure his services ahead of fellow Premier League sides Fulham and Chelsea, with a deal thought to be a long-term one, but with an agreement to loan the player back to his current employers for the rest of this season.

The decision to send the Norway international back to the Belgian side on loan until the end of the season was said to have convinced the player to pick Spurs ahead of their rivals, but Postecoglou has now been dealt a huge blow as Tottenham are set to miss out on a deal for the Brugge magician to another Premier League outfit.

Antonio Nusa transfer update

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Brentford have formally reached an agreement with the Belgian side to sign Nusa before Thursday's deadline. The reporter states that a deal worth in excess of €30m (£25.5m) is in place between the two sides, which is slightly higher than the fee that Spurs were reportedly looking to snap him up for earlier this month.

Romano claims that the teenage dynamo has also given the move a green light as he is prepared to make the switch to Thomas Frank's side. However, like with the transfer that was previously proposed by Tottenham, Nusa will remain with Brugge on loan until the end of the 2023/24 campaign before linking up with his new teammates next season.

This is a blow for Postecoglou as the impressive young winger has caught the eye with his promising displays for club and country so far this term.

Appearances

16

Starts

Six

Sofascore rating

7.22

Goals

Three

Assists

Two

Big chances created

Five

As you can see in the table above, the left winger has been productive in the Belgian top-flight, despite his lack of starts, as a scorer and a creator of goals. His creativity was also on display for Norway across his three appearances and one start in their European Championship qualifying campaign as the right-footed ace registered three assists, created two big chances and made six key passes.

This means that the Brugge gem, who was once hailed as "electric" by analyst Ben Mattinson, has produced three goals, five assists, and seven 'big chances' created in 19 appearances and seven starts for club and country in the Pro League and European Championship qualifiers this term.

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Meanwhile, Brennan Johnson has racked up one goal, four assists, and four 'big chances' created in 15 Premier League starts for Spurs since his move from Nottingham Forest. He has not provided consistent quality in front of goal and a new signing could have provided much-needed competition for his position moving forward.

These statistics suggests that Nusa, if he could adapt to English football, could have offered more than the Wales international in the final third, both in terms of his quality as a scorer and a creator of goals, which is why this update on the forward's future is a blow for Postecoglou.